Drury Panthers, 2009 GLVC Champions

The team returns a core of seven starters from last years team including the entire defensive corp, starting with senior GK Stephen Conner (Glendale). Conner had 14 shutouts in 2009, giving up only 11 goals overall and was named the GLVC Defensive Player of the Year while also earning 2nd Team All-American status.

His defensive line is a quartet of seniors, led by Ben Taylor (pictured holding the trophy), also a 2nd Team All-American and the second leading returning scorer on the team with 7 goals and 5 assists. Taylor plays outside left and handles many of the teams set pieces. The central defenders will be Blake Wilson and Conner McClellan while Grant Bowden will be the outside right back. This battle tested defensive crew will be relied on to keep the Panther’s close while the team identify’s who will step up to replace the 26 goals, including 11 game-winners, scored by Steve Wilczewski and Andrew Bordelon in 2009.

The midfield will be led by senior Peter Higgins, who will move into the play-making position vacated by Ben Nabers. Nabers was the unsung hero of last years team, with the ability to reliably hold the ball in tight situations before starting the Panther’s attack. Higgin’s is very talented, earning Honorable Mention All-American recognition last year, and one of the hardest workers on the team but is the only returning starter in the midfield. A pair of Springfield products, Danny Collins (Glendale) and Adam Peterson (Kickapoo) played in 20 or more games each last year and will work to earn starting positions this year. Collins scored 3 goals and had 3 assists from his outside position while Peterson scored 2 goals while earning minutes at both midfield and forward. One incoming freshman, Brendan Langford (San Antonio, TX) spent the summer in Springfield playing for the Demize PDL team. Langford showed good technical skills during the minutes he played and should earn playing time but likely won’t be prepared to start.

Micah Whorton returns up top following a highly successful season in 2009, scoring 15 goals and providing 15 assists and 45 points, tops on the team. Whorton earned 3rd Team All-American recognition for his efforts and will be expected to continue his fine form in his senior season. Sr Dave Emnett played in 18 games last year and will challenge for a starting position.

The recruiting class this year is 12 players strong, coming from 4 states, and includes Catholic’s Justin Bowenschulte. A few I think can make an impact this year include this trio of Scott-Gallagher players from St Louis:

Alec Nagel, 5-11 midfielder, Jefferson City High School: Alec was a First Team All-Region, First Team All-State and Central Region MVP selection who’s speed and strength could pair well with Whorton.
Matthew Hutchison, 6-0 forward, CBC High School: Matthew helped CBC and his Scott Gallagher club team both to state championships in 2009. He was named to the First Team All-Conference, All-Metro and All-State squads, and is playing club this spring with the Gallagher Academy.
Michael Yuede, 5-8 midfielder, St. Dominic High School: He was the Class 2 state player of the year after leading his team to a state championship, earning First Team All-State and Second Team All-Metro honors. Yuede also was a number of the ’09 Missouri state champion Scott Gallagher Soccer Club team.

The Panther’s open regular season play on Friday September 3rd at Ashland University in Ashland, Ohio before traveling to Chicago for a Sunday September 5th game at Lewis University. Lewis reached the NCAA Final 4 after beating Drury in the 2nd round so this game will be an early season grudge match.

The first home game will be Friday September 17th against Truman State University, the other ranked Missouri team, coming in at 24th in the preseason poll.

Second-year Drury head coach Ryan Swan, who guided the Panthers to a 21-2 record and their first Great Lakes Valley Conference championship and NCAA-II Sweet 16 berth last fall, says he’s excited about the 12-member incoming freshman class.

“All of these players have been standout performers for the high school and club teams,” Swan says. “I expect several of these players to come in and challenge for playing time immediately and for all of them to help Drury University soccer to new heights over the next four years.”

The new Panthers are:

*Justin Bowenschulte, 5-10 midfielder, Catholic High School (Springfield, MO): Justin was named to the First Team All-Conference, All-Region and All-State squads and is a member of the Springfield Soccer Club U-18 team.

*Michael Yuede, 5-8 midfielder, St. Dominic High School (O’Fallon, MO): He was the Class 2 state player of the year after leading his team to a state championship, earning First Team All-State and Second Team All-Metro honors. Yuede also was a number of the ’09 Missouri state champion Scott Gallagher Soccer Club team.

*Matt Baker, 5-10 forward, Hickman High School (Columbia, MO): Matt helped lead Hickman to a district championship and an appearance in the state’s Class 3 Final Four, earning All-Region honors. He’s a member of the Columbia Pride Soccer Club.

*Alec Nagel, 5-11 midfielder, Jefferson City High School (Jefferson City, MO): Alec was a First Team All-Region, First Team All-State and Central Region MVP selection who also played for Missouri club state champion Scott Gallagher.

*Brendan Langford, 5-11 defender, Central Catholic High School (San Antonio, TX): He was a First Team All-District selection who was also named the district’s Offensive Player of the Year, garnering First Team All-State and Academic All-State honors along the way. Brendan plays club soccer for the Classic Elite soccer club.

*Jesse Williams, 6-2 midfielder, Castle High School (Evansville, IN): Jesse was named his team’s MVP along with earning First Team All-Conference and All-District accolades. He plays club with 2009 Indiana state champion FC Evansville.

*Thomas Davis, 5-11 forward, Aledo High School (Fort Worth, TX): Thomas set the Aledo school records for season and career goals scored. He was a 2009 All-Conference and All-District selection who plays club with the Solar SC.

*Dakota Stevens, 5-10 defender, Central High School (Fort Worth, TX): Dakota is a member of the Solar Soccer club as well.

*Brandon Reed, 6-2 defender, Owasso High School (Owasso, OK): Named his prep team’s Most Valuable Player, Brandon also plays club with the Tulsa Thunder Soccer Club.

*Logan Ream, 5-8 defender, St. Dominic High School (O’Fallon, MO): Logan helped his St. Dominic squad to back-to-back state championships, earning First Team All-State and All-Metro honors and being named the Missouri Player of the Year. He plays club with Scott Gallagher SC.

*Matthew Hutchison, 6-0 forward, CBC High School (St. Louis, MO): Matthew helped CBC and his Scott Gallagher club team both to state championships in 2009. He was named to the First Team All-Conference, All-Metro and All-State squads, and is playing club this spring with the Gallagher Academy.

*Adam Heiligenstein, 5-10 defender, Hazelwood West High School (Florissant, MO): Adam was named the Suburban North Conference MVP in addition to earning Second Team All-State and Third Team All-Metro honors. He plays club for the Scott Gallagher Illinois SC.

All of the above recruits will join a 2010 Panthers squad that was ranked as high as No. 2 nationally in D-II last season and features several top returnees, including Second Team All-America junior goalkeeper Stephen Conner and senior defender Ben Taylor as well as Third Team All-America senior forward Micah Whorton and Honorable Mention All-America senior defender Peter Higgins, in addition to All-GLVC honorees Blake Wilson, Grant Bowden and Conner McClellan, all defenders and seniors for the upcoming season.

Kickapoo had opportunities in this game as twice in the next 10 minutes Baum and then Cameron Dugan were called upon to clear balls from behind Glendale keeper Jordan Pitt. A lack of bodies in the right place meant that the only goal the Chiefs would score this evening would come in stoppage time of the 1st half. Substitute Sean Marren first won a 50/50 ball in midfield before slotting a diagonal pass that sent Skyler Russell into the box between a pair of defenders. His shot from 15 yards brought the Chiefs back within 1 entering the 2nd half. Rumor has it that this is the first goal Russell has ever scored against either the Falcon’s or the Pershing Generals.

The Falcon’s extended their lead in the first 10 minutes of the second half. First Baltz once again got into the 6 yard box, this time burying a shot from Alec Martinez’s short pass. Later Dugan buried a shot that came after a scramble in the box, sealing the victory.

Springfield Catholic – 10
West Plains Zizzers – 0
Justin Bowenschulte and Austin Lewis each had hat tricks in this game played at Cooper #2. Full details available at the Catholic website. Pictured is David Bailey getting the 2nd of his 2 goals, slotting it just beyond the keepers reach.

Willard Tigers – 6
Lebanon Yellowjackets – 0

Bolivar Liberators – 5
Branson Pirates – 1
Goals by Matt Magana (3), Tinash Zingura (1st goal at Bolivar High School), and Kyle Slagle (PK). Assists by Mitchell Waters, Seth Hopwood, and Bradley Stillwagon as the Liberators continue their unbeaten string.

Webb City Cardinals – 2
Carl Junction Bulldogs – 1
The Cardinals have shrugged off last seasons difficulties as they win again against their local rivals

Marshfield Blue Jays – 9
Aurora Houn’Dawgs – 0
Marshfield’s offense clicked, as they scored 9 goals. Goals by: Nicholas Harden, Robert Martin, Colton Harden (PK), Ryan Doolittle (Robert Martin), Robert Martin (Colton Harden), Nicholas Harden (DJ Hensley), Ryan Doolittle (Koty Jones), Colton Harden, Robert Martin (PK). Robert Martin also tied Marshfield’s career goal total at 37.

Catholic Fightin’ Irish – 1
Greenwood Blue Jays – 0
For a rivalry that’s only two years old, at least on the soccer pitch, this game is quickly establishing itself as a key derby locally. The stands were packed at Cooper Soccer Complex this evening and these two teams went at each other like a pair of middle-weight boxers, working the ball around and picking their moments to attack. As is often the case in situations like this, the goal came from a defensive breakdown when Justin Bowenschulte was given time for not one, but two attempts on the cross into the box. After whiffing on his initial effort, his second effort slipped past the goalkeeper 7 minutes into the second half and changed the complexion of the game.

Update – you can see the goal here

Both teams had opportunities, particularly in the second half as things opened up, and the goalkeepers each made important saves. Hawken Thieme faced down a point blank shot that kept the Jay’s close while his counterpart, Levi Millsap, pushed a ball out in the final 5 minutes of the game that seemed destined to send us to overtime.

There’s been plenty of chatter on this site trying to establish bragging rights in Class 1 District 5. What tonight showed us is it’s way to early to try. Each of these teams will tell you there’s still work to be done. It won’t be until November 5th before we’ll be certain. Unlike in the National League Central division, where certainty now reigns Even Eddie Vedder is a fan.

As a side note, I wonder if the crowd at this game matched or exceeded the attendance at the Catholic football game Friday? And in my opinion, the Greenwood support section won the 12th man battle, providing cheerleaders, a much more organized effort and plenty of vocal support tonight.

All the photos can be found on my Facebook Page

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.

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

Parkview Vikings Shootout

Championship – Parkview Vikings 7, Hannibal Pirates 0
Parkview scored early and often on route to a 7-0 victory and first place in the ‘Viking Showdown.’
3rd Place – Carthage Tigers 3, Kearney 1

5th Place – Fulton Hornets 2, West Plains Zizzers 0

7th Place – Lebanon Yellowjackets 3, Neosho Wildcats 2

2nd round games, played Saturday morning

The West Plains Zizzer’s get their 2nd win of the season, shutting out the Neosho Wildcats 1-0. The goal was scored by Cory Parks on a header from Nathan Moore’s corner kick.

Fulton Hornets beat the Lebanon Yellowjackets 2 – 1

Hannibal Pirates won in PK’s against Kearney, following a 3-3 in regulation and OT play.

Parkview 3, Carthage 1

Monett Tournament

Monett Cubs ?, Carl Junction Bulldogs ?
Monett Cubs 12, Aurora Houn ‘Dawgs 3

Willard Tigers 0, Carl Junction Bulldogs 0
Willard Tigers 3, Aurora Houn Dawgs 0

Willard Tigers 1, Monett Cubs 0 (Friday)

Parkway Tournament

The Rolla Bulldogs won 1 and lost 2 at the Parkway Tournament this weekend.

Friday night
Parkway South 1 Rolla 0
Parkway Central 1 Jeff City 2
Parkway West 2 Hickman 1
Parkway North 2 Poplar Bluff 2

Saturday
Parkway South 5 Jeff City 3
Parkway North 1 Hickman 4
Parkway Central 3 Rolla 1
Parkway West 5 Poplar Bluff 0

Parkway West 2 Jeff City 2
Parkway South 10 Poplar Bluff 0
Parkway Central 0 Hickman 5
Parkway North 0 Rolla 2

1-Parkway South
2-Parkway West
3-Hickman

Catholic Fightin’ Irish – 1
Waynesville Tigers – 0
In a game that could have gone either way, the result hinged on a few key plays. The goal was scored by junior Justin Bowenschulte in the 48th minute, as he took Adam Entrup’s square ball from the right side before side-stepping a defender and slotting his shot to the far post. Add sophomore goalkeeper Levi Millsap’s diving save of a shot in the 64th minute that seemed destined for the back of the net, and the difference in the result was found in those few seconds.

The differences between the two teams are significant. Catholic started a lone senior (Cullen Barr) along with a pair of juniors, six sophomores and a freshman central midfielder (Luke Strauss) while Waynesville has 4 seniors, 6 juniors and a lone sophomore (Gehrig Haberstock) starting. Despite these differences, both teams have to feel confident about their opportunities at the District level this year. Waynesville will battle Rolla and Camdenton for supremacy in Class 3 District 10 while Catholic is looking towards New Covenant and Greenwood in Class 1 District 6. I’ll be certain to keep you up-to-date on the progress both teams are certain to make towards there common goal. UPDATE – as Pat Taggart notes, Reid Harbach is a freshman and I missed him in my initial count that only had ten total. The Catholic flyer has Dahlberg listed as a sophomore. So 1, 2, 6, 2 is my current count

That’s Catholic’s midfield general, sophomore Taylor Arens, winning the head ball in front of junior Ben Moore.

Willard Tigers – 5
Central Bulldogs – 0
The Bulldogs continue to impress as they worked hard the entire 80 minutes. The Tiger’s were unable to open it up like last year’s game but they have the team speed that allowed them to get down the wings, creating opportunities in the box they were able to capitalize on. Junior Tyler Sevon was the primary recipient, scoring the first three on assists by seniors Parlie Shikany (2) and Marian Lup. Lup and Jonah Nadeau also scored, Josh Lindsey with the shutout and 11 saves against the Bulldogs. Shikany is pictured turning the corner.

New Covenant Warriors – 3
Aurora Houn Dawgs – 0

Bolivar Liberators – 4
Warrensburg Tigers – 2
Kyle “Toad” Slagle scored on a PK in the second half to give the Liberators a 2-1 lead that they never relinquished in the battle with their former district foe. The Tigers came into the game undefeated (6-0). Goals by Bradley Stillwagon (2) and Matt Magana.

Linn Wildcats – 2
Crocker Lions – 0
The Wildcats held on to the home field advantage in shutting out their District opponent Southern neighbor tonight.

Marshfield Blue Jays – 4
Branson Pirates – 2
Koda Sorenson tallied both goals for the Pirates who continue to develop as a team.

Monett Cubs – 3
Carl Junction Bulldogs – 2

Nixa Eagles – 2
Lebanon Yellowjackets – 0
Goals scored by Kaleb Romero and KhaiUyen Huynh, both assists went to Tyler Bartell. Marcus Fernandes got the shutout in goal.

Join SGFsoccer.com on Facebook

Monett Cubs – 3
Cassville Wildcats – 2
Monett took the lead with a pair of goals in the first half. Cassville came out in the 2nd half and scored right early but Monett got another one before Cassville’ss final goal around the 70th minute.

Bolivar Liberators – 7
Logan Rogersville Wildcats – 0
The Wildcats hosted Bolivar for their first ever home game and after giving up a pair of goals in the first 20 minutes, mounted an attack of their own that the Liberators Dale Baker blunted. They continued the attack in the 2nd half until running out of gas against their more experienced District opponent.

Catholic Fightin’ Irish – 3
Marshfield Blue Jays – 1
Catholic scored their go ahead goal at 54th minute, Cullen Barr scored on an assist from Justin Bowenschulte. Ethan Jernigan scored for the Jay’s in the first half.

Willard Tigers – 6
Webb City – 0

Ozark Tigers – 2
Branson Pirates – 1
Tigers out shot the pirates 26-7. Ozark goals came off a cross from Jeremy Dauer to Zach Marlow in the 24th minute. Branson scored off a set piece( I believe all their goals have been off set pieces so far) in the 13th minute. Zach Moore scored on a Pk with 9:38 left in the first half.

Springfield Catholic – 2
Pembroke Hill Raiders (KC) – 1
Goals by Freshman Luke Straus and Senior Cullen Barr, who was assisted by Junior Justin Bowenschulte. And as the commenter noted
“The Whitfield Warriors are on a two year reign as Class 1 champions and their fiercest competition, Kansas City power Pembroke Hill, has moved into Class 2.”

Pembroke’s lone goal came from a deflection off a defender when Catholic’s defense was trying to clear the ball out of the box area.

Crocker Lions – 5
Dixon Bulldogs – 4
It was a very even game with Crocker scoring first. Dixon Tied the game soon after, but were never able to jump ahead of Crocker. From the comments.

JC Helias Crusaders – 1
Camdenton Lakers – 0
Helias got the win with a goal just before halftime.

Lebanon Yellow Jackets – 0
Moberly Mules – 5
Moberly finished last year with a record of 17-10 and a No. 10 state ranking in the final Class 2 poll after losing 3-0 in the quarterfinals to eventual state runner-up champion Smithville.

Northeast KC –
Central Bulldogs -

For more photos, including team photos, click on the photo to be taken to my Flickr website. You can download low resolution photos for free.

Local representatives on the All-Star team included Justin Bowenschulte and Cullen Barr of Springfield Catholic as well as Nathan Moore of West Plains Zizzers. Here’s the entire list of All-Stars, who represent the Top 10% (2 of 15 teams).

All-Stars: 2008 Missouri State Team Camp White Team
Front Row: Tyler Jordan, Shawnee (6); Justin Bowenschulte, Catholic (15); Cullen Barr, Catholic (16); Nick Johnson, Ralston (11); Lucas Bigford, Washington MO (13); Tyler Groh, Putnam City North OK (10); Taylor Hart, Conway AR (8); Caleb Dayer, Conway AR (2)
Back Row: Bryan Murray, Springfield SC; Garrett Holmes, TCA (12); Noah Vogt, Boone MO (14); Derick Allen, Shawnee (GK); John Beckman, Stillwater OK (9); Matt Bray, Putnam City North OK (7); Connor Silvestri, Conway AR (4); Tim Wallace, Washington MO (5); Trevor Young, TCA (3)

Caleb Dayer, Taylor Hart and Connor Silvestri of Conway were named to the Arkansas All-State team in May, enroute to their undefeated boys 7A state championship.

All-Stars: 2008 Missouri State Team Camp Maroon Team
Front Row: Eric Grisham, Washington MO (3); Matt Thies, Ralston (11); James Hsueh, TCA (8); Joey Carson, Shawnee (16); Nathan Moore, West Plains MO (6); Patrick Mallon, Washington MO (9); Dylan Reed, Conway AR (10); Thomas Tower, Stillwater OK (12); Josh Vanornam, Ralston (14)
Back Row: Chip Dutchick, Missouri State; Caleb Crenshaw, Choctaw OK (15); Taylor Thompson, Putnam City North OK (13); Dustin Deisher, Shawnee (7) ; Bryan Byars, Putnam City North OK (GK); Kevin Cabello, Putnam City North OK (5); Austin Fitzpatrick, Stillwater OK (2); Tyler Brom, Ralston (4); Kenny Boutsabouabane, Missouri State