Bolivar Liberators – 5 Nixa Eagles – 4
The Liberators knocked off their Central Ozark foes with a goal by freshman Sara Magana (28), who leaped into the air near the penalty spot to meet Jonna Welch’s (excellent cross from the right side, nodding it into the net beyond the reach of the keeper. Beautiful goal, scored in the 77th minute, to negate a comeback by the Eagles from a 4-2 halftime deficit.
Both teams are very athletic and committed, it was a lively game that saw the attack go back and forth throughout the match. 2-2 only 20 minutes into the game, Bolivar went on to score two more to gain the early advantage. A shot by Jonna Welch from the right side just outside the box somehow fell under the cross bar, and a throw-in by Julie Magana (23), done via the flip and near the endline, worked to perfection as she put it to the near upper corner where it was easily knocked in when the keeper was unable to handle the hard throw.
Both teams came out hard in the 2nd half but it was the Eagles that began to put together the passes necessary to maintain possession and create opportunities for themselves. The first came from the penalty spot, following a foul in the box. Taken confidently by Kelsey Haist, it energized the Eagles further and they continued the attack. The 4th goal was a beauty, nodded into the net at the far post by (18) from Haist’s cross near the right endline. Haist got to the spot by picking up an attempted clearance and then battling through 3 defenders, pushing the ball past a second attempt to stop her in the box, and then delivering the quality ball.
Bolivar’s goals were scored by Jody McFarlen (PK), Hannah Harris, Julie Magana, Jonna Welch, and the game winner in the 75th minute by Sarah Magana.
Bolivar and Nixa both have teams prepared to compete. The Liberators just want to go forward, and have the youth and energy to do that all night. Nixa appears poised to join Glendale, Kickapoo, Ozark and Catholic as a program that wants to move the ball on the ground and create goals. When they spread the field tonight, they were able to do just that. Bolivar’s pressure, and some early season injuries, meant they weren’t able to get the job done in the time available to them tonight. I’m looking forward to seeing both teams several more times with the playoffs only a month away now.
Joplin McAuley – 3 Carl Junction Bulldogs – 0
Goals by Jae Stephens, Erin O’Keefe, and Sammi Graham. Arielle Santillian 2 assists, Sarah Onstot first ever shutout.
Janessa, Honorary Captain, Mt Home Bombers
Mtn. Home (AR) Bombers – 4 West Plains Zizzers – 0
Janessa, a fourth grader in the Mt Home (AR) school district is a big soccer fan. She’s battling cancer and goes to Little Rock every 2 weeks for chemo but wanted to see a game. The good weather meant today was the day – Janessa was an honorary captain and the team presented her a signed ball. The Zizzer’s offered a jersey signed by all the players (pictured) as well. Janessa handled the the coin toss (we lost the toss and mtn home deferred and let us have the choice anyway – good sportsmanship). It was a big night for Janessa and a nice win for the Bombers.
Greenwood Blue Jays – 3 (PK’s) Marshfield Blue Jays – 2
100 minutes could not decide the contest but Greenwood prevails in pk’s. Marshfield goals scored by Kylea Ryser and Alex Cantrell. Liza Salisbury and Cook record the Greenwood goals
Camdenton Lakers – 2 Branson Pirates – 0
Goals were scored by Stephanir Kirvan, Latea LaRue, Jessica Smith, Haley Baker, and Kayla Utley. Smith and Baker each had an assist while Ashley Paschel had two assists on the night.
Kickapoo Chiefs – 6 Nixa Eagles – 0
At the 50 minute mark, senior Chealsey Russell scored her 3rd goal of the evening, from a long ball by goalkeeper Jessica McCutcheon. It was emblematic of the new lineup Coach Hodge has decided on , moving last years Regional MVP up top where her impact on the game can more directly affect Kickapoo’s early inability to score this season. The Eagles, a young and very active squad, kept it close until the 25th when Abby Anderson scored. It came in traditional Chiefs fashion, a wonderful cross from Katy McLain on the left side, GK touched it but was unable to stop it and Anderson was alertly waiting on the far side where she walked it in. Russell got her first goal a minute later when freshman McKenna Adams alertly sent her in on a breakaway via a diagonal ball. Once again the keeper got a hand on it but Russell had enough power on the ball that it trickled in. The Chief’s got a third goal, Russell’s second, in the first half via a corner kick.
Both keepers, McCutcheon for Kickapoo and Kristen Miller for Nixa (pictured above), were active and made important saves during the game. The Eagle’s worked hard, and knew what they needed to do against their District foe. With a core of freshman that achieved well in last Spring’s Middle School playoffs, it’s just a matter of time before the breaks should begin to go their way.
Camdenton Lakers – 10 Central Bulldogs – 0
Soccer Lady Lakers’ F Megan Manzer found the back of the net four times and F Alisha ‘Girdy’ Morice tapped in the 600th goal in the program’s history Monday in a 10-0 shutout of Springfield Central.
Bolivar Liberators – 2 Willard Tigers – 1
I know Bolivar won, I think it was by the score listed. Willard scored first, from Missouri Valley signee Patsy Middleton, with Julie Magana and Jordan Halbrooke scoring for the Liberators.
Greenwood Blue Jays – 4 Joplin McAuley Warriors – 0
The traditional rivals renew acquaintances in the Warriors opening game of the season.
