Tag Archives: Josh McCutcheon

Region 2 Tournament – Springfield Wins Again!

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FCgreenbay by Green Bay Press Gazette

FC Green Bay by Green Bay Press Gazette

Here are updates from today’s group stages. Teams are playing their second of three games and I offer thoughts on their opportunity to advance.

U18 Girls St. Louis Scott Gallagher – 1
Cleveland FC (OH North) – 0
A late first half goal by Jessica Kelley gave Emily Cline, Shelby Hatz and their teammates their first win of the group stage. The team is now 1-1 and tied for first in the group with 4 points but at a disadvantage in goal differential. They face the winless Eastern Iowa United squad tomorrow where a win guarantees they advance.

U17 Girls St. Louis Scott Gallagher – 0
MN Thunder Academy 94 Blue (MN) – 2
A pair of goals in each half for the Minnesota squad means Molly Brewer and her teammates are now 1-1 in the group. They are 3rd of 4 teams based upon points and goal differential. They will play Cincinnati Soccer Alliance tomorrow who are also 1-1 but ahead on goals. A win combined with a loss by MN against the currently winless Lexington FC squad will be needed to advance out of the group.

U19 Boys St Louis Scott Gallagher – 2
FC Green Bay (WI) – 0
The Green Bay squad loses by 2 for the second day in a row and Gallagher (including Drury players Mike Yuede and Matt Hutchinson) now face Javanon for the Group title tomorrow at noon. Both teams are 2-0 and have identical goal differential (+3) although Gallagher have not given up a goal. With three groups, there is a wildcard opportunity but two groups, including Gallaghers, have two teams with 6 points already so a win is best. Javanon is ranked 7th in the Region, well ahead of Gallagher and were Regional Finalists last year.

U16 Boys Springfield SC – 2
Galaxy (IL) – 0
A pair of goals early in the second half propelled the boys to their second straight win, this one over another higher-ranked team in their group and a squad they had lost to in late April 1-2. A penalty kick by Josh McCutcheon (Kickapoo), which included the ejection of the Galaxy goalkeeper with a red card, was the game-winner in the 54th minute. Minutes later McCutcheon assisted on the second goal, scored by Ismael Serratos (Carthage), and the final margin.

Their opponent tomorrow, Everest SC Black (OH), is ranked 5th in the Region and bounced back from their loss yesterday to the Galaxy with a 2-1 win over Waukesha. The Wisconsin squad opened the scoring in the 57th min but Everest came down the field and tied the game in the 58th and got the game-winner in the 83rd.

Springfield needs a tie to advance, providing them with 7 points from a 2-0-1 finish while Everest would finish with 4 points. A win would be better!

Springfield SC 94/95 Competing At Region 2 Tourney

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Springfield SC 94/95 - Missouri State Champions 2011The Springfield SC 94/95 Boys, fresh from their State Championship at the Missouri Cup last Thursday, are enroute to Appleton WI today to compete in the Region 2 Tourney. Part of the USYSA National Championship series, their State title sends them to this regional round with the regional age group winners then advancing to the National Championships in Phoenix next month.

The second team in Springfield Soccer Club to win a State Championship (the 90/91 age group won as 16 and 17 year olds in 2007 and 2008), they will be exposed to the Regional tournament for the first time. The tournament runs June 24-29 and like Cup will include a Group stage followed by knockout rounds.

I stopped by the final practice Thursday prior to their departures and got a few shots (see below) and chatted briefly with Josh McCutcheon (Kickapoo) and Evan Garrad (Glendale), the team captains:

Tournament Schedule:
Sat Jun 25 - 10:00 AM – SC Waukesha Pumas (WI) vs Springfield SC (MO)
Sun Jun 26 – 4:00 PM – Springfield SC (MO) – IL Galaxy (MRL2)
Mon Jun 27 – 8:00 AM – Everest SC Black (OH-N) – Springfield SC (MO)
Tue Jun 28 – 10:00 AM - [TBD] 1 of Pool B vs [TBD] 1 of Pool D
Wed Jun 29 – 8:30 AM - [TBD] Winner of Semifinals 1 vs [TBD] Winner of Semifinals 2

The team is part of Group D and the draw has some good news and some bad news. The good news is the opening match is against a team much like SSC, a first time competitor that comes from a program building new traditions in a state where FC Milwaukee is the dominant program. Waukesha (Wah-ka-shaw) is a western suburb of Milwaukee and where the highway turns North to Appleton. The other portion of the good news is the top-ranked team in the pool is Everest SC Black, ranked 5th in Region 2, but a team that SSC won’t have to face until they’ve played two prior games. That gives them the opportunity to become familiar with the environment, gain confidence and have current scouting reports on what will be the most difficult game of the tournament.

To get out of the group generally requires avoiding a loss and the first game is the most important. A loss in the first game is the most difficult of hurdles and avoiding Everest in that first game was the first piece of good fortune the boys will need. As the interview above notes, there is a quiet confidence and this is a good team with pace, a strong defensive will and enough inventiveness to be dangerous on this larger stage.

Coached by Eric Sorlie and Michael Seabolt from Missouri State (pictured in the white hat), I hope to have regular updates on their results.

There are several other local players competing this weekend as well. Emily Cline (Drury/Glendale) and Shelby Hatz (Drury/Catholic) are playing for St Louis Scott Gallagher at the U18 age bracket while Molly Brewer (Glendale) is playing for SLSG at the U17 age bracket.

ESPNrise.com did a preview of the Girls bracket that includes the KCFC Alliance squad that includes six players from the State Champion Liberty Jays. Regional Champs at U13 and U15, this is likely the last time these girls will play together and like the State tournament, their goal is to win the trophy.

Ozark Conference – Kickapoo Are Undefeated Champions

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Devan Selsor, Kickapoo Chiefs (2012)

Devan Selsor, Kickapoo Chiefs (2012)

Glendale Falcons – 1
Kickapoo Chiefs – 2
The Chief’s came out fast tonight and taking advantage of the strong wind, Turner Adams sent a free kick into the box in the fifth minute that while initially parried, fell to Josh McCutcheon who was then taken down before he could shoot. Senior Nate Lavoy buried the resulting penalty kick for the early lead.

PHOTO GALLERY

Glendale finally broke through midway through the second half soon after sophomore Evan Garrad was moved up into the midfield from his outside back position. Garrad won a ball, pushed it left and Roman Aldaiz then slotted a ball to jr Austin Hart, who had his back to the goal and was just inside the penalty area. Hart was able to collect the ball and make a quick turn to his left towards the center of the box before getting off a quick shot that stayed low and settled into the far side netting to knot the score.

The game-winner was scored by Devan Selsor as the Chief’s mounted one of their patented counter-attacks. The more active side all evening, a ball won deep in their end was quickly sent forward and Selsor’s hard work got him into the attack down the left side. He was rewarded for his effort and as he carried the ball into the left side of the box, he unleashed a shot the found the far side netting, sending the Chief’s fan’s into hysteria (below).

The Chief’s finish 9-0 in the Ozark Conference and reclaim the Ozark Conference title, which the Camdenton Laker’s snatched last year while ending the Chief’s four year streak. The Chief’s play this evening erased any doubts about whether they deserved the #1 seed in the upcoming District 11 playoffs. Unless Glendale can find some energy and attitude worthy of the derby, it’s likely to be Kickapoo vs Carthage in the Sectional game on November 9th. That makes tomorrow’s game against the visiting Tiger’s even more interesting now. Come out and support the Kicking for A Cure double-header tomorrow at Kickapoo that includes a game between Republic and Webb City. Arrive early for the best seats!

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Ozark Conference Games & Standings

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Kickapoo Coach Phil Hodge

Kickapoo Coach Phil Hodge

Final month of the season and the cream should be rising to the top by now. As the Standings below show (courtesy of ZizzerSoccer.com), that means Glendale, Kickapoo and Rolla who are undefeated in the Conference. Waynesville and Joplin both have a pair of losses so to maintain pace they need to run the table in their remaining games. Rolla visits Glendale next Tuesday, at Cooper, while they’ll host Kickapoo Oct 21st. Glendale and Kickapoo renew their rivalry on October 25th at Cooper again.

Hillcrest Hornets – 1
Rolla Bulldogs – 9
at Hillcrest, Rolla moves to 11-3-2 and 4-0 in the Ozark Conference.

Parkview Vikings – 6
West Plains Zizzers – 0
at JFK

Lebanon Yellowjackets -
Glendale Falcons -
at Jacket Soccer Field

Kickapoo Sophomores Josh McCutcheon & Turner Adams

Kickapoo Sophomores Josh McCutcheon & Turner Adams

Kickapoo Chiefs – 2
Joplin Eagles – 0
The Chiefs held on for the Conference win tonight on the strength of a pair of first half goals. The first, in the 8th minute, was a joy to watch as sophomore Turner Adams brought a ball up the right side from his defensive position. Showing patience and vision, he sent a perfectly weighted diagonal ball to the left side of the Joplin box. An on-rushing Jake Nedoma ran onto the ball, receiving it at the top of the box, taking one touch into the box before sliding his shot to the near upright under the diving keeper.

The Chiefs got their second from a set piece as sophomore Josh McCutcheon following a foul approximately 28 yards out. McCutcheon’s shot, hit with the outside of his right foot, went to the left of the two-man wall and bent back towards the near upright and beyond the keepers reach. Sweet!

I was impressed with what I saw of Joplin as they battled the Chiefs in the first half (I had to leave for a birthday dinner at the half). Led by attacking midfielder Parker Mahon, the Eagles have pace and good skill across the starting 11, enough that Carthage will not have an easy path as they pursue their 3rd straight District title. The difference for the Chiefs in the 1st half was winning all of the balls in the air and an ability to win set pieces as well, including a 4-0 advantage on corner kicks.

How’d Joplin get their goal and at what point in the 2nd half did they get it? UPDATE – Lucas Kemper scored Joplin’s goal.

I’ve updated the records but didn’t adjust the standings on the table below to reflect tonights games.

2010 Ozark Conference Standings

School OC Record
Glendale 4-0-0
Kickapoo 5-0-0
Rolla 4-0-0
Waynesville 4-2-0
Joplin 3-3-0
Camdenton 3-3-0
Parkview 3-3-0
West Plains 1-5-0
Hillcrest 0-6-0
Lebanon 0-5-0

Sep 20th Games – Kickapoo Blanks Branson

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McCutcheon (25) congratulates Strunk on his goal

McCutcheon (25) congratulates Strunk on his goal

Kickapoo Chiefs – 6
Branson Pirates – 0
In the first of three District 11 games they will play this week, the Chiefs scored three in the first half and a pair in the second to seal the win. The game winner was scored by Josh McCutcheon in the 18th when he challenged for a ball outside the box and powered it into the side netting. The Chiefs got a pair in the final minute of the first half from Aaron Strunk. The first came when McCutcheon lifted a soft ball over the defense that Aaron was able to run onto and as he eluded the first defender he slipped the ball past the keeper and a 2nd defender. On the ensuing kickoff, some confusion in the Branson defense led them to stop playing and Strunk was credited with the ensuing goal.

The second half was a bit more open and as the Pirates were able to move the ball outside to the wings more effectively. The Chiefs clamped down however, while scoring a pair. Elliott Williams got his on a run into the box and McCutcheon got a 2nd on the evening as he slid one through a crowd. UPDATE – I see Nate Lavoy scored while I was moving from the pitch to my car

Photo gallery from game for viewing or purchase can be seen below or at this link

Joplin Eagles – 6
Webb City Cardinals – 0
The Eagles got the shutout win tonight in a Class 3 District 12 match. Goals by Joe Rice 2, Lucas Kemper, Luis Santillan 2, Ryan Estus

West Plains Zizzers – 0
Marshfield Blue Jays – 1
This was a Class 2 District 9 game between a pair of teams gunning for Bolivar and the top spot they’ve held the past three years. The Blue Jays got the win tonight via on an indirect free kick from 6 yards out after the Zizzers were whistled for an intentional pass back to the goalkeeper in the 3rd minute of the second half.

Crocker Lions – 9
Belle – 0
Crocker came out on fire tonight to make up for the poor first half against Moberly this weekend. Scoring 3 goals in the first 5 min. Goals were scored by Teddy Zeigenbein, AJ Imilkowski, Cody Gibson, Cody Williams, and Tessie Jessie Tart.

Monett Cubs – 1
Willard Tigers – 3
Fresh from capturing the Monett Tournament this weekend, the Tigers returned tonight to renew the rivalry.

Camdenton Lakers – 1
Sedalia Smith Cotton Tigers – 0

Neosho Wildcats –
Carl Junction Bulldogs -

Lebanon Yellowjackets – 0
Central Bulldogs – 5
apparently the Sep 2nd game was moved to Monday

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Kickapoo Chiefs

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Kickapoo Chiefs, Fall 2010

Kickapoo Chiefs, Fall 2010


I visited the Kickapoo Chiefs morning work out on Thursday, opening my efforts to renew acquaintances with the High School game in the region. The Chiefs reached the Final 8 last year, losing to Columbia Hickman 0-1 in the Quarterfinal, while knocking off Glendale in the District Final and Carthage in the Sectional. The Chiefs finished 3rd in the State in 2007 but lost to Glendale late in overtime in 2008 in Districts when the Falcon’s made their run to 2nd in State, the highest level for a boys program from the region.

Looking at 2010 the Chiefs have reason to be confident yet again. Returning 8 starters, adding a senior transfer who will start on defense, Kickapoo will rely on a disciplined defensive team with one key weakness. Who will score?

The Chief’s have four key seniors this year. All will likely start on defense and they will be led by Goalkeeper Tyler Moses. Moses found his mojo during the Kickapoo Shootout last year when his play in the PK win over Blue Springs helped carry the team to the Championship win over Springfield Catholic and ultimately to the Quarterfinals, losing only to Columbia Rockbridge during that four week period.

He’ll be fronted by seniors Nathan Lavoy and new transfer Dylan Corbett, who has been recognized as All-State Honorable Mention the past two years for the New Covenant Warriors. Derrick McDiarmid, a 1st team Regional pick, will bringing his attacking style to the flank.

The junior class represents the top three returning scorers, with Jake Nedoma (8 goals, 1 assist = 17 points), Devon Selsor (7, 3 = 17) and Dane Ruggeri (5, 3 = 13) and the pressure will be significant to increase their production, especially in tight games. A look at the results from the previous two years shows just how important Ian Kennedy and Skyler Russell were in those situations and these three will need to deliver. Selsor will likely slot in at a forward position while Nedoma and Ruggeri attack from outside midfield positions.

They will not be alone. Aaron Strunk came on strong late in the season when given the opportunity to play as a forward, moving up from a central defensive position, showing creativity and a natural attacking style. His goal against Glendale in late October helped position the Chiefs for the win and I anticipate he’ll show well this year. He finished with four goals, 10 overall points last year. The Chiefs will need to replace the 42 goals, 109 total points, that Skyler Russell and Ian Kennedy delivered.

It all starts in the midfield and the Chiefs have a pair of sophomores expected to lead the team. Josh McCutcheon’s efforts in defensive midfield last year allowed Ian Kennedy the opportunity to go forward and lead the attack. This year he’ll pair with Elliot Williams, who moves up from a role player to starter, to run the central midfield. Their maturity and ability to hold the ball while creating opportunities for their teammates will also lay the foundation for the Chiefs success for the next three years.

Hunter Durham, a sophomore, is my pick for the third player to join Corbett and Williams in the starting 11.

The Chiefs open on the road September 3rd, visiting Nixa where the game finished 4-3 last year. Glendale is the opponent in their third game, on September 15th, a game everyone looks forward to. Kickapoo will participate in three tournaments this year, over a three week period beginning with the Gateway City Classic in St. Louis on October 1st. The Kickapoo Shootout runs October 8-9 and the Chiefs will travel to Jefferson City for the Classic October 14-15.

Springfield Soccer Club U15′s Go Undefeated In Midwest Regional League

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Springfield SC U15 - 2010 MRL 1st Division Champions

Springfield SC U15 - 2010 MRL 1st Division Champions

This past weekend saw 3 Springfield SC teams travel to Overland Park, KS to play games in the Midwest Regional League (MRL). The 15I, 16, and 17 boy’s teams all currently play in the First Division. The weather was perfect for playing soccer. The 17 boys played their first game of the year against Springfield Fire (IL) and came away with a 4-1 victory. That’s a great way to start things off! The 16 boys played twice and came awaywith a split weekend. On Saturday they defeated KCFC (KS) 3-2 on a great goal right at the end of the game. Sunday saw things go the other way with a 2-1 loss to Omaha FC (NE). They played very well and were unlucky not to get 2 wins on the weekend.

The 15I boys played their last 3 games of the season. On Saturday they defeated NFC Qdoba (NE) 3-1 in the morning followed by a 4-0 win over Kansas City United (KS). Sunday saw the boys go up against the Kansas Rush (KS) and come away with a 5-0 win. That win put the boys at 6-0 on the season and a lock for first place. This marks only the 2nd time that a Springfield SC team has won the MRL First Division. This time around it also means that they are automatically promoted to the MRL Premier Division. In their six games, the boys scored 21 goals and while only giving up 2.

This is the 2nd team in SSC history to participate in the Premier Division, the other being the SSC 90/91 boys who went on to win the Premier League once in their two years as well as winning two State Championships in their age group.

“It’s a fantastic moment to win any league. It makes it even better that this time it is the Midwest Regional League and the boys are promoted into the Premier Division where every game will feel like a State Cup game. It feels wonderful to have Springfield SC once again represented among the elite. It speaks volumes to the work the boys have put in over the past months and years. We can enjoy this for a bit, before we get back into it and prepare for State Cup,” commented Eric Sorlie, Director of Soccer Operations. “I’m also looking forward to watching the other teams finish their MRL season on a strong note as there is still a lot to play for in both divisions”

Bottom Row L to R: Evan Loyd (Greenwood), James Straus (Catholic), Jesse Bihlmeyer (Nixa), Evan Craig (Catholic), Dallas Moses (Pershing Middle School), Turner Adams (Kickapoo), Matt Call (Glendale),

Middle Row: Aaron Strunk (Kickapoo)

Top Row L to R: Evan Garrad (Glendale), Hunter Durham (Kickapoo), Chase Grubb (Kickapoo), Josh McCutcheon (Kickapoo), Andrew Schenck (Nixa), Elliot Williams (Kickapoo), Braedyn Mitchell (Clever), Jakob Neidig (Ozark), Mitchell Moncada (Catholic), Head Coach Eric Sorlie

The photos below are from a game September 2008, the first season the boys played in the Midwest Regional League

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Midwest Regional League U14 Boys Competition In Springfield

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MRL U14 - Springfield SC vs St Louis Scott Gallagher IL Blue ( Metro United)UPDATE – Congratulations to the Springfield SC 94/95 squad who enjoyed home cooking and a pair of wins this weekend while hosting the MRL U14 games. The boys won both games by a 2-1 margin, against St Louis Scott Gallagher I 94/95 on Saturday and St Louis Scott Gallagher IL-Blue (formerly Metro United) on Sunday.

Sunday’s game against IL-Blue was a hard fought affair, with the crowd dressed for Fall due to the cool morning and 15-20 mph winds. STLSG Blue went ahead 5 minutes into the 2nd half when they drew a penalty kick that was converted. SSC came back quickly, tying the game on a hard shot from the edge of the box by Elliott Williams on a ball that had been cleared following a fine cross by Josh McCutcheon on a run down the right side. The game winner came late in the game, off of a corner kick. The initial ball was touched by the keeper (pictured) but fell in the box where Braden Mitchell was able to convert.

The boys are now 2-2 on the season with 3 games to play.

=================

MRL U14 - St Louis Soccer United vs Eclipse SelectDecided to get out briefly today for some Midwest Regional League games since I only had a small window available to me today.

The U14 West Division White, which includes the Springfield SC 94/95 squad, is holding a series of games here this weekend.

The photo features the Eclipse Select (IL) versus St Louis Scott Gallagher I. There are also photos from the FC Milwaukee vs St Louis Scott Gallagher IL Blue squad. Click on the photo to be taken the photo website.

There are two games on Sunday. St Louis Scott Gallagher I will play FC Milwaukee at 8:00 am followed by the Springfield SC vs STLSG IL Blue squad (formerly Metro United) at 10:00 am. Unless there is lightning the games will go on, at Cooper #1 or #3.

These are important games in that these are the same clubs that regularly reach the Regionals, with Springfield SC’s older squad having competed against Eclipse, Sockers, FC Milwaukee and Gallagher/Metro United in the past. This is the next generation coming up and the quality of play is very good. Middle school age boys who would acquit themselves very well against half of the high school teams in the region.

The MIDWEST REGIONAL LEAGUE (MRL) mission is to provide the highest standard of competitive play for youth teams in US Youth Soccer Region II (the Midwest Region) and to assure the continued growth and development of elite level players.

As usual, free low-resolution photos for download and personal use are available on my Flickr site. Purchase of higher resolution photos in any format you might like are available on my SmugMug site. If you have a Facebook profile, you can find many of the photos on my Facebook page.

Instructions for downloading the free low-resolution photos are available by following this link – How To