Player Of the Year: Molly Brewer, Glendale
Offensive POY: Lindsey Sprouse, Glendale
Defensive POY: Emily Jordan, Glendale
GoalKeeper: Paige Hemphill, Ozark
Coach: Jeff Rogers, Glendale
Position Player Year School
F Neva Raschel 11 Branson
M Molly Brewer 9 Glendale
D Emily Jordan 12 Glendale
F Lindsey Sprouse 11 Glendale
F McKenna Adams 10 Kickapoo
M Amanda Dominquez 12 Kickapoo
M Abby Anderson 12 Kickapoo
M Kelsey Haist 10 Nixa
F Rachel Murphy 9 Nixa
M Jayme Braun 10 Ozark
M Rachel Haden 11 Ozark
GK Paige Hemphill 11 Ozark
M Jessica Maerz 11 Parkview
F Shelby Stewart 11 Parkview
F Kelsey Sanders 12 Joplin
F Shelby Murray 12 Neosho
Joplin Eagles – 3 Neosho Wildcats – 0
The Eagles, as they regularly seem to do, are peaking at the end of the season. After a pair of overtime games with their Southern rival, Joplin came out fast and hard tonight. The Eagle’s Ashlea Norman scored about 30 seconds into the first half. Kelsey Sanders scored with about 8 minutes left in the first half putting Joplin ahegwad 2 to 0. Once again at about 30 seconds into the second half, Autumn Lewis buried a Lauren Copple corner kick. Neosho had several scoring opportunities but Joplin’s freshman goalie made some really nice saves.
The Eagles advance to the Class 3 Sectional where they will face the winner of the Glendale vs Kickapoo game next Tuesday at 6:00 pm at Cooper #1. Glendale will play Kickapoo tomorrow (Friday) at Ozark HS beginning at 7 pm in the District 11 Final.
#2 Neosho Wildcats – 3
#3 Central Bulldogs – 0
A pair of goals from Brittany Copeland, around a goal by Shelby Murray, led the Wildcats past Central.
#1 Joplin Eagles – 6
#4 Hillcrest Hornets – 0
Goals were scored by Meghan Matheson, Kelsey Sanders, Autumn Lewis, Danielle Lagow, Lauren Copple and Mikaila Craig.
The Eagles and Wildcats will face off for the third time this season in the Final on Thursday at 6pm. Cody Thorn of the Neosho Daily News summarized the first two meetings and got some feedback from Coach Schnackenberg
Joplin won the first game 3-2 at a game at Joplin High School earlier this year. The game went into overtime tied 2-2 and then another overtime. After five penalty kicks couldn’t settle the tie, Joplin won it in sudden death PKs.
“I think the first loss was the coach’s fault for not putting the right people in PK, maybe I should’ve changed it around,” Schnackenberg said.
The second meeting was in the Neosho Tournament championship game and Joplin prevailed 1-0 in overtime.
“We have been wanting a rematch since the second loss when they took our tournament championship away from us,” Schnackenberg said. “I think it will be a great district final. Maybe we can get revenge for the losses.
Glendale Falcons vs Rolla Bulldogs – will be played tomorrow at 5pm
Mt View Liberty Eagles – 7 Pleasant Hope Pirates – 3
With only 9 players, the Eagles went out and got the victory last night. While the Coach wanted to forfeit, the Kids said No…. Emmie Vines scored 4 and Shelly Renegar scored 3 for the Eagles. UPDATE – I’ve gotten some private feedback that demands some clarification. Let me say I’m an Eagles fan, I love the fact that the Coach was concerned a player might get hurt playing short-handed BUT was also prepared to support the players choice to play. That’s the kind of team I want to be on!
Parkview Vikings - 8 Hillcrest Hornets – 1
The Vikings got goals from Shelbie Stewart (2), M. Robb, Jessica Maerz (3) and Kelsey Loderhose (2). K Freeman scored for the Hornets.
Joplin Eagles – 3 (PKs) Lebanon Yellowjackets – 2
The Eagles win in this late season game points to their traditional ability to peak during Districts. Joplin’s Kelsey Sanders scored first with about 17 1/2 minutes left in the first half. Lebanon tied it up about 3 minutes later (#6 Hannah Winkle). With less than 5 minutes left in the first half, Joplin’s Autumn Lewis scored off of a Lauren Copple corner kick to put Joplin ahead 2 to 1 at the half. Lebanon’s # 5 Emily Boyer tied it up again with just over 9 minutes left in the second half. Both overtime periods were scoreless sending the game into PKs. Sorry, I did not note which Lebanon’s players made their PKs. Joplin’s Kelsey Sanders made the first PK. Lebanon scored. Joplin’s second shot went high. Lebanon’s second shot was blocked by Joplin’s goalie. Joplin’s Katelyn Miller scored. Lebanon’s third shooter scored. Joplin’s Autumn Lewis scored. Lebanon’s fourth shot was blocked by the goalie. Joplin’s Stephanie Loden scored to give Joplin the win with a 4 to 3 PK advantage.
Kickapoo Chiefs – 3 Camdenton Lakers – 2
Kickapoo’s Megan Melugin scored all three goals for Kickapoo including one 10 minutes in the first half giving Kickapoo a 1-0 lead through the half. Two minutes into the second half, Camdenton’s Haley Baker scored off a cross tying the score at 1 each. Kickapoo scored twice more and led 3-1 until 13 minutes left in the match when Camdenton’s Stephanie Kirvan scored a goal making it 3-2. Kickapoo outshot Camdenton in a contest that was physical and fun to watch.
Waynesville Tigers – 2 West Plains Zizzers – 0
Erica Combs scores via a PK late in the first half and #16 adds a late goal for the final margin of victory
Nixa Eagles – 0 Ozark Tigers – 1
A battle for the inaugural Central Ozark Conference large school title this season goes to the Tigers who got the game winner from senior Eva Schwert who’s original shot was blocked by goalie Kristin Miller. The rebound fell to Schwert however who buried her second opportunity.
Springfield Catholic – 4 Bolivar Liberators – 1
The Fightin’ Irish earn the COC small school title with their win. Catholic gets two goals from Natalie Smid and two from Bekah Bade. Jonna Welch scored for the Liberators with an amazing 24 yard blast. Catholic goalkeeper Rachel Scott was issued a red card in the 12th minute for handling the ball outside the penalty area.
Willard Tigers – 2 (PKs) Carthage Tigers – 1
Willard jumped out to a 1-0 lead minutes before the end of the first half, but the Lady Tigers were able to tie it up with less than 10 minutes left in regulation when Patricia Marin, off an assist from Jessica Diaz, found the back of the net. Scoreless overtime led to PK’s, won by Willard. Story in the Carthage Press.
Neosho Wildcats – 4 Branson Pirates – 1
Neosho gets goals from Jackie Field, Melanie White and Shelby. Neva Raschel scored for Branson. Neosho is now 10-7 this season, 3-2 in the COC and will soon be focusing on getting past Joplin for a District title.
Logan-Rogersville Wildcats – 4 Marshfield Blue Jays – 3
A late season upset for the Wildcats, knocking off their Webster-county rivals.
Ozark Tigers – 3 Kickapoo Chiefs – 0
The Tigers wrapped up the #2 seed tonight with their win over the Chiefs. The game-winner came 13 minutes in when Megan Stodden’s run into the box was rewarded, first receiving a pass from Megan Gunnel’s before slipping between a pair of defenders prior to shooting. While the score will draw plenty of attention, it was Paige Hemphill’s play between the posts that made a significant difference as the Chief’s attack was working well this evening.
A key noted by Coach Tom Davidson was a save on McKenna Adam’s who was able to get inside the box but her shot was smothered by Hemphill who waited to react to the shot. Shortly after that, the Tiger’s counter was begun when #13, Jackie Wacha, came well back into the defensive end on the strong side from her forward position and collected a ball cleared from the box. Her long ball down the right side was just over the head of the defender and sent #18 Alicia Collard streaking towards goal, never a pleasant site for a defense. Senior Eva Schwert (#21) was stride for stride with Alicia and was sent in alone by Collard’s square ball, after pulling the lone defender to her. Schwert easily lifted the ball over the charging goalkeeper and into the right side of the net, just inside the upright to give the Tigers a 2-0 lead in the 32nd minute.
The Tigers had another excellent opportunity only 2 minutes later but Shannon Johnson, and the Chief’s defense, was prepared. Senior Abby Anderson, who creates many opportunities from her right midfield position, in this case was back to block the first attempt while Johnson rebounded to block the 2nd attempt and the 3rd was sent over the crossbar.
The second half saw the Chiefs come out energized and in my opinion they had the majority of the play. The key to the Tigers success this season, at home in particular, is their discipline and patience. They’ve learned to keep the ball on the ground and work the short passes on the artificial surface, a lesson that usually requires at least one half for the visitors to learn. The Chief’s responded well but their two best chances, both by sophomore Marin Gelsheimer #(15), saw her 20 yard shot go just over the cross bar and her run into the box blunted by Hemphill.
The final goal was a wonderful counter-attack by the Tigers, with defensive midfielder Rachel Haden collecting a ball in the defensive end who sent Stodden on a run down the right side where there was lots of space. Alicia Collard soon arrived to receive the next pass, heading into the corner before releasing a fine cross to the center of the box. Jackie Wacha (#13) got to the ball before the defender and Taylor Jordan was at the back post to nod it into the open net, a fine reward for her long run made in support of the play from her midfield position.
As I was editing photos, the Amazing Rhythm Aces “My Tears Still Flow” from the Stacked Deck album came on. Probably the theme song for many teams, including the Chiefs, who have had inconsistent offensive output this year. One of my favorite bands, I hope they come back to Wildwood Springs Lodge again soon!
Jefferson City Jays – 1 Rolla Bulldogs – 0
Jefferson City’s Molley Cowley scored with 9 minutes left in the second half and positioned the Jay’s to earn the #1 seed in District 10
Bolivar Liberators – 4 Greenwood Blue Jays – 1
Jonna Welch put in all four goals for the Liberators, as these traditiional rivals battled in Bolivar. The offensive attack the large school Liberators have been using to work their way up the ladder in District 5 was more than the small school Jays could handle this evening, losing only their 2nd game of the year (both to larger schools). #12 Liza Salisbury had the goals for Greenwood.
Joplin Eagles – 1 Joplin McAuley – 0
Lauren Copple scored the first goal when she once again placed a corner kick directly in the net, unassisted. At the half, Joplin was up 1 to 0. Kelsey Sanders’ goal in the second half placed Joplin ahead 2 to 0. With just under 6 minutes left in the game, McAuley’s Arielle Santillian scored.
Ozark Tigers – 1 Glendale Falcons – 2
The Glendale Falcons, coming off a dismal weekend in Sedalia, waited until the 90th minute to send a message to their Southwest Missouri foes. Senior Jenni Frewin, receiving a square ball from freshman Molly Brewer, was able to run straight at Ozark’s Paige Hemphill, calmly slotting her shot to the far right post just outside the reach of the onrushing keeper. The goal came as a result of Mindy Rose Moffe’s (#2 red above) hard work on the right side, defending against an attack down the wing before sending the ball back down the line to Brewer. The whistle blew shortly after the restart, giving the Falcon’s the key District win.
After early opportunities for both teams, the Tigers got the early lead in the game. Senior Eva Swert (#21) received Megan Gunnels diagonal ball in full stride, running into the box before turning her defender and calmly slotting her shot to the far upper 90 in the 5th. In the 29th, Karis Hefton scored from 15 yards as she confidently knocked an attempted clearance into the upper right corner. It came after a 40 yard free kick by Emilee Williams that was knocked down but not controlled by the keeper.
The teams battled hard, and I thought this might be the breakthrough game for the Tigers in their attempt to get past the Falcon’s. It was an important step, although not the final one obviously, coming back from last year’s two shutouts against the Falcon’s and giving them a scare. The second half was a game fought in the midfield with both teams gaining the momentum for periods of time. I felt the Tiger’s came out in a somewhat defensive mode, giving up too many balls between their forwards and their midfielders, thus limiting their chances. At the same time, they showed great discipline and organization during the game and created some good opportunities. I’d be practicing corner kicks and throw-ins in the offensive end in anticipation of the next match up.
Central Bulldogs -
Neosho Wildcats -
Carl Junction Bulldogs – 1 Joplin Eagles – 3
Joplin goals by Kelsey Sanders, Yasmin Ulloa and Ashlea Norman.
Bolivar Liberators – 10 Pleasant Hope Pirates – 0
Game stats are: Jonna Welch 3 goals 1 assist, Jody McFarlen 2g 1 a, Sarah Magana 2 g, Jaclyn Bradshaw 2g, Mariah Roberts 1g, Laura Beth DeShazo 1a
Marshfield Blue Jays vs Branson Pirates moved to May 11th
Springfield Catholic vs Greenwood Blue Jays moved to Wednesday April 29th at 5pm
Glendale Falcons – 4 Kickapoo Chiefs – 2
A Class 3 District 11 match up, the Falcon’s solidified their #1 ranking in the region with their win over the Chiefs. Lindsey Sprouse (2G/1A), Hannah Garrad (1G), Molly Brewer (1G – PK), Emilee Williams (1A), Emily Cline (1A) scored for the Falcons while Amanda Dominguez (1G) and Abby Anderson (1G -PK) scored for the Chiefs.
Rolla Bulldogs – 2 (PKs) Camdenton Lakers – 1
Class 3 District 10 match up went to PK’s Thursday with Rolla winning the shootout 2-0. The Lakers led 1-0 early in the second half before Rolla tied it up at 1 goal each.
Waynesville Tigers – 1 Lebanon Yellowjackets – 2
Class 3 District 10 match up, the Jackets ensured they kept pace with the Lakers and Jays in their pursuit of the Bulldogs for top seed in the District. The Yellowjackets got goals from Emily Boyer and Hannah Winkel.
Joplin Eagles – 2 Hillcrest Hornets – 1
In this Class 3 District 12 match up, Joplin had several opportunities but had a hard time getting it in the net. Joplin scored first when a shot by Kelsey Sanders was deflected by the goalie and Meghan Matheson was there to put the loose ball in the net before it could be cleared. Joplin was up 1 V 0 at the half. Hillcrest tied it up with a nice shot by Erin (#39). With about 8 minutes left in the game, Sanders accepted a nice pass from Yasmin Ulloa, worked the ball down field past the Hillcrest defenders, went one on one with goalie and placed the ball just inside the net.
Richland Bears -
Belle –
Rogersville Wildcats – 3 Willard Tigers – 0
Michelle Crawford with 1 goal, Najee Donson with 2 goals
Carthage Tigers – 1 Carl Junction Bulldogs – 0
Jessica Diaz scored with the assist coming from Jamileth Henriquez
Joplin Eagles – 5 Van Buren (AR) – 0
Goals by Kelsey Sanders (3), Stephanie Loden and Lauren Copple, who placed a pretty sweet corner kick in the net, unassisted.
A pair of significant results tonight, with Ozark proving last year was no fluke and the Zizzer’s getting an early Ozark Conference win over the Joplin Eagles!
Ozark Tigers – 2 (OT) Catholic Fightin’ Irish – 1
Scoreless until the second half when first Andrea Parker scored for Catholic, followed by Megan Gunnels goal for Ozark. 90 seconds into OT, Alicia Collard got the golden goal for Ozark. The Tigers website has a story
West Plains Zizzers – 2 Joplin Eagles – 1
The Eagles scored first, and early, when senior Kelsey Sanders put Joplin ahead in the 17th minute. The Zizzers responded via their tricky freshman forward, Tasha Ugbah in the 26th. They called on senior captain Mollie Plocher for the game-winner, which came via a direct kick from 22 yards out in the 57th minute. Wow!
Kickapoo Chiefs – 3 Rolla Bulldogs – 2
The Bulldogs give up their first goals of the season, having shut out their prior 4 opponents, while scoring 2 of their own in their first Ozark Conference game of the season. Abbey Anderson, Ericka Freiert and Amanda dominguez scored for the Chiefs, Megan Melugin had 2 assists. Rolla falls to 1-1 in the Ozark Conference, Kickapoo is now 2-0 in the Conference. Rolla Daily News story.
Parkview Vikings – 1 Lebanon Yellowjackets – 0
Kelsey Loderhose gets the only goal, via Jessica Maerz, as the Vikings get an Ozark Conference win. Caylin Manary earns the shutout
Logan-Rogersville Wildcats – 4 Mt. View Liberty Eagles – 0
Michelle Crawford scored 2, Hannah McGaughy scored 1 and Najee Donson scored one
Bolivar Liberators – 10 Clinton – 0
Jody McFarlen scored 4, Jonna Welch scored 3, Sarah Magana scored 2, and Izzy Mersch scored 1.
Greenwood Blue Jays – 2 (PK’s) Willard Tigers – 1
The Tigers fall in OT for the second time this week, this time via the spot. Jays win in PK’s, 3-2
Carthage Tigers – 0
Joplin McAuley – 2
Waynesville Tigers -
Hillcrest Hornets -
Marshfield Blue Jays vs Branson Pirates – Moved to April 27 at 5:00
Glendale Falcons vs Camdenton Lakers – postponed until May 11th