St Dominics Crusaders – 2
Springfield Catholic – 0
In a rematch of last years quarterfinal, won 3-1 by the Crusaders, the teams met in cold and wet conditions at Hickman High School where things warmed up quickly. St Dominics is the defending state champions and returned the majority of their squad from the previous year while Springfield Catholic brought their freshman heavy line up. From reports received, the quality of the game was high and it was the second half before the Crusaders were able to break the deadlock.
Incarnate Word Red Knights – 5
Glendale Falcons – 0
In a game delayed an hour to remove standing water from the pitch, it was the Red Knights who matched the power of the thunderstorm that preceded the game. The Falcon’s applied all of their skill and effort to the match but this game served as a reminder of the distance yet to go before Southwest Missouri soccer will be able to challenge for a High School title.
The Red Knights feature a squad that includes six Division I recruits in the starting 11 today, including a pair of players who recently represented Missouri in the National ODP Tournament (#2, Kelley Gravlin and #16, Sarah Doggendorf). Add #3 Blake Miller and #5 Drea Barklage (pictured in red) who won a National Title as U15′s and the size of the challenge faced by the Falcons (and Chiefs last year) becomes apparent.
Photo Slideshow
The game-winner was scored in the 25th minute by #4, Kristine Vogt, who was waiting in the six yard box when Miller somehow not only ran down a ball in the right corner but was able to turn on it and send it sliding into the box. Vogt redirected it between the charging GK and defender and the Red Knights had the margin they would need. Vogt got a second goal in the 31st when she received a throw-in near the top of the 18 yard box and was able to turn and send a ball to the far post, just inside the upright.
The second half began with Miller once again imposing herself on the game. In the 46th minute, she created a throw-in deep in the right corner. The ball was received by Katie Impierale and pushed to Miller who ran from the end line towards her own goal with the ball. She turned and sent a cross to the far side, just outside the six yard box, where #13 Alex Baer confidently headed it into the upper corner for a 3-0 lead. Miller scored in the 52nd minute when she picked up a loose ball near midfield, made a run down the middle and as three defenders closed on her, let loose a shot from 28 yards out that went into the upper right hand corner. The final goal was scored by Kelley Gravlin on a shot from just inside the box.
The Red Knights advance to the semifinal where they will face off against St Teresa Academy at 8:00 pm Friday in Fenton. They’ll be out scouting tonight’s quarterfinal match between Nerinx Hall and St Joseph as well as Hazelwood Central vs Francis Howell North.
The Falcons finish at 20-6, following their return to the Quarterfinals for the first time since 2004. They will return 7 of the 11 starters in today’s match, including their two leading scorers (Cline, Sprouse), leading assists (Frewin), midfielders Jordan, Brewer and Williams as well as sweeper McWilliams. Don’t cry for the Falcons.
