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.

UPDATE – KSPR features Liberator goalie Sara Scott as their “Wendy’s Athlete of the Week” – http://www.kspr.com/sports/43146097.html

Logan-Rogersville Wildcats – 4
Hillcrest Hornets – 0
Senior Michelle Crawford had 3 goals, Hannah McGaughy had 1 goal

Fatima -
Richland Bears –

Parkview Vikings – 3
Laquey Hornets – 0
Shelby Stewart 1g 1a, Jessica Maerz 1g, Melanie Allen 1g, Caylin Manary- shutout

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.

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.

Glendale Falcons – 8
Waynesville Tigers – 0
Alix Opfer (2G/1A), Molly Brewer (1G/1A), Emily Cline (1G/1A), Lindsey Sprouse (1G/1A), Jeni Frewin (1G/1A), Mindy Moffe (1G), Erica Torgeson (1G), Emilee Williams (1A), Karis Hefton (1A).

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.