Missouri High School Soccer: Girls Class 1 District 11 Preview

Posted on March 4, 2011 by Ole

Rebecca Mayus, Springfield Catholic (2011)

Girls soccer has a new alignment this year. For those who missed my earlier story, MSHSAA has set up three equal classes with 16 Districts each (8 previously in Class 1 and 2). The intent is to offer Sectional and Quarterfinal games for every class. That also means there are twice as many District Champions this year (16 instead of 8). Somewhat reminiscent of Youth soccer (everyone gets a trophy) although as students of the game in this region are already aware, Class 1 District 11 would be a challenge for any team hoping to knock off the defending State Champion Fightin’ Irish, regardless of class.

There are three teams that will compete in the District this year. Joplin McAuley, Greenwood and Springfield Catholic.

Ally Adrian, McAuley Warriors (2013)

The McAuley Warriors are aptly named, I always enjoy covering the ladies in Blue. Classic underdogs, the team struggled to maintain a roster of 11 players last year but never backed down. I don’t root often but it’s great seeing competitive games and the Warrior’s never disappoint. Their spirits are high this year as their team-sharing agreement with College Height’s kicks in. The two schools combined for one boys team last year (College Heights) and this year they Girls team plays under the McAuley banner. Rumor has it there could be as many as 18 on the final roster. Like most teams in the region, an influx of freshman will only help.

Sydney Ganus, Greenwood Blue Jays (2011)

The Greenwood Blue Jays will field a young team that will also rely on some incoming freshmen. The team lost three senior starters, all in critical roles in the middle – Maddy Esther (currently playing at D3 Rhodes College), Maddy Smith and Caroline Jansen. There is one senior returning starter, Sydney Ganus (defender) last seen doing yeoman work in the District Final loss to Catholic, including clearing a sure goal by heading it out off the line. She’s joined by Sara Cook (11th grade), the twins Mary Margaret Kirkman (10th grade) and Anna Grace Kirkman (10th grade) along with Annabelle Chaffin (11th grade) in offering leadership for the young team. There are several freshman prospects that are expected make a difference including Anna Turner (defender), Kelsey Nau (midfielder) and Anna Martinez (yes, Alex’s sister from Glendale) at midfield. The most critical item will be identifying a goalkeeper for this team that had approximately two dozen out Thursday evening. Head Coach Chris Shull is being assisted by former Drury Panther Ally Reynolds this year.

How about the defending District and State Champion Springfield Catholic Fightin’ Irish? The Senior Class, led by midfielder Natalie Smid, is in my estimation the group that is most responsible for the regular run to State that has marked this program recently. They will be shooting for their 3rd straight trip to the Final 4 this season and a 2nd straight title. The most significant change for the team will be the loss of senior goalkeeper Rachel Scott. Scott, who has been accepted to Yale and has her sights set on a career in neurological surgery, is focused on preparing for that career this season.

The good news is that junior Megan Goetzinger, who split time in goal with Scott last season and was recognized with Rachel as 2nd Team All-State GK’s, returns and now takes charge in the net. She’ll have 1st All-State defenders Carsen Baron and Rebecca Mayus fronting her which is a plethora of riches any Coach in the region would enjoy. Add a pair of D2 college signee’s in Andrea Parker and Shelby Hatz, who will continue their careers at Drury in the Fall, and the Irish should continue their winning ways. Check out my earlier story for additional impact players.

There were over 50 players at practice on Thursday but it wasn’t a complete contingent as junior Bekah Bade (who scored the game-winner in the title game last June) among others was missing with the basketball season just ending. There are two freshman to keep an eye on going into this season as well. Nicole Ortega joins her sister Emily and Lydia Holtman follows in the footsteps of her All-Star sister Elle who is a senior at Rockhurst. With a senior class of 12, Coach Timson will need to find a balance that helps prepare the underclassmen for next year. A tough problem to have, he’s being assisted this year by Sarah Linsin and Jordan Reppell from Missouri State. Pretty nice role models when you can drive by a billboard and say – hey, there’s my coach!

MSU billboard including Sarah Linsin

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Girls Season Begins In 4 Weeks

Posted on January 31, 2011 by Ole

Natalie Smid celebrates Bekah Bade's game-winner

The final Club tournaments of the season wrapped up yesterday, with over 100 area girls from three Clubs (Springfield SC, Missouri Elite FC and Total Prodigy) competing in the Showcase of the South. Gorgeous weather and pretty good results in Little Rock for our girls, look for reports as they come in.

Now they focus on recovering and spending time in the weight room along with some road running. The first practice will be Monday February 28th and based upon the chatter I see on Facebook, the girls are looking forward to the upcoming season which can begin March 18th.

Coaches/Boosters – please download this Schedule_example and return it to me!

That’s especially true for the seniors on the defending State Champion Springfield Catholic squad. The Irish return a Senior Class that is most responsible for the regular run to State that has marked this program recently and is shooting for their 3rd straight trip to the Final 4. It includes:

Rachel Scott, GK – 2nd Team All-State
Carsen Baron, D – 1st Team All-State and co-Defensive Player of the Year, Missouri
Rebecca Mayus, D – 1st Team All-State and co-Defensive Player of the Year, Missouri
Natalie Smid, M/F – 1st Team All-State, co-Regional Offensive Player of the Year
Andrea Parker, M/F – Honorable Mention All-State,
Shelby Hatz, F – 1st Team All-State, co-Regional Offensive Player of the Year

Add in juniors Bekah Bade (who scored the game-winner in the title game) and Megan Goetzinger, 2nd Team All-State and 1st Team Regional players, along with seniors Emily Ortega, Jordan Banasik and Courtney Devlin and Head Coach Ben Timson will need to manage the program to peak in May while offering the underclass opportunities early in anticipation of next year. That includes a player that could very well be in the starting lineup on March 18th in freshman Nicole Ortega.

My coverage area for the coming season will include:
7 Class 1 teams, including defending State Champion Springfield Catholic.

6 Class 2 teams, with 5 teams in District 11 battling for their first ever District title now that Bolivar has moved North to District 12. The Liberators will be in a three-way race with Harrisonville and Warrensburg for the opportunity to advance from District 12

16 Class 3 teams, including Sectional champions Nixa. Willard looks to be well-positioned to earn their 2nd straight District title in District 12 as does Rolla in District 10. Nixa will work hard to defend their title with Glendale and Kickapoo the most likely challengers. Ozark will face a challenge with the loss of their senior class from 2010.

Class 3 District 10
Camdenton High School
Lebanon High School
Rolla High School – 2010 District Champs
Waynesville High School
West Plains High School

Class 3 District 11
Branson High School
Glendale High School – 2008 Quarterfinals, 2009 Final 4
Kickapoo High School
Nixa High School – 2010 District Champs
Ozark High School – 2008 District Champs (losing to Glendale in Sectionals when there were 2 classes)

Class 3 District 12
Carthage High School
Central (Springfield) High School
Joplin High School – 2009 District Champs
Neosho High School
Parkview High School
Willard High School – 2010 District Champs

Class 2 District 11
Carl Junction High School
Hillcrest High School
Logan-Rogersville High School
Marshfield High School
Republic High School

Class 2 District 12
Bolivar High School – 2009 District Champs
Clinton High School
Harrisonville High School – 2010 Quarterfinals
Pleasant Hill High School
Warrensburg High School

Class 1 District 11
Dixon High School
Laquey High School
Liberty (Mountain View) High School
St. James High School – 2008 District Champs

Class 1 District 12
Greenwood High School
McAuley Catholic High School
Springfield Catholic High School – 2008 Quarterfinals, 2009 Final 4, 2010 State Champions

Missouri Class 1 Girls Soccer Southwest/Central Regional Honors

Posted on August 8, 2010 by Ole

Tillie Bill, Southern Boone Co Eagles (2010)

The Missouri Soccer Coaches Association has released their Class 1 Southwest/Central Regional Honors

Player of the Year – Tillie Bill, Southern Boone
Co-Offensive Players of the Year – Shelby Hatz and Natalie Smid, Springfield Catholic
Co-Defensive Players of the Year – Carsen Baron and Rebecca Mayus, Springfield Catholic
Co-Goalkeepers of the Year – Rachel Scott and Megan Goetzinger, Springfield Catholic

Maddy Esther and 10 Catholic Players Are Class 1 All-State

Posted on June 19, 2010 by Ole

Springfield Catholic Girls Soccer, 2010 State Champions

L to R: Natalie Smid, Shelby Hatz, Carsen Baron, Bekah Bade, Ronnie Renner, Rebecca Mayus, Erin Fitzgerald

The Missouri Soccer Coaches Association has release their 2010 Girls Class 1 All-State recognition.

Player of the Year – Tillie Bill, Southern Boone
Offensive Player of the Year – Abby Lappe, St. Vincent
Co-Defensive Player of the Year – Carsen Baron and Rebecca Mayus, Springfield Catholic
Goalkeeper of the Year – Taylor Zerbe, Trinity

Coach of the Year, Private – Ben Timson, Springfield Catholic
Coach of the Year, Public – Chris Miller, Southern Boone

Missouri Class 1 Girls Soccer – Catholic vs Trinity In The Final

Posted on June 4, 2010 by Ole

Natalie Smid and Shelby Hatz celebrate the game-winning goal

Springfield Catholic – 1
St Vincent Indians – 0
Words can’t do justice to the game played today by the Fightin’ Irish. Coach Ben Timson called upon 17 players today and each brought their A game, consistently battling for 50/50 balls and making the run to support their teammates. Led in the middle by Natalie Smid and Erin Fitzgerald, who are poised to accomplish what no other Irish midfield tandem, or Springfield program for that matter, has achieved, the Lady Irish delivered on their promise today.

The game winner was scored by Smid, from a Carsen Baron set piece following a foul near the right touch line and 35 yards out, in the 55th minute. The ball arrived just outside the 6 yard box, pulling the keeper out where she and her defender lost a battle with Bekah Bade in the air. The ball fell loose and Smid was the first to the ball, collecting it and turning to put her shot just inside the upright before a defender could cover. Well executed, hard work by several players and the most positive of results.

The Irish used up at least one four leaf clover in the process of getting to this point. The game plan, according to defensive leader Carsen Baron, was to concentrate on absorbing the Indian’s attack in the initial stages of the game and then adapt their attack to what they learned about their opponents. What that translated into was a few initial forays down the middle before beginning to use their strength and speed to attack the wings. As they spread the defense, the middle opened up for Fitzgerald and Smid to gain control.

While the Irish had the majority of the play in the final 25 minutes of the first half, the Indians showed flashes of the offensive prowess that got them this far. Junior Rachel Cook delivered two important saves late in the half to keep the Irish tied. The first came as she tipped a shot over the crossbar that had the Irish fans holding their collective breath. She followed that up by taking the ball off of an attackers feet with a fearless dive.

The Irish game-winner came five minutes after an early second half flurry by the Indians, who pushed hard to get the important first goal. Megan Goetzinger and her teammates saw the best St Vincent opportunity bounce off the upright and away in the 50th. As winning teams often do, the Irish capitalized on their good fortune and created their own destiny. It will be a familiar foe, as the face North County’s Trinity Titans tomorrow in the Title game.

Photos will follow soon. And thanks for winning, I’m looking forward to sleeping in!

Trinity Titans, 2010 Class 1 Semifinal

Trinity Titans – 2
Barstow Knights – 0
Caroline Keppler buries her shot in the 48th min, finishing a ball that came off the crossbar and fell to her 8 yards out. Katie Armet took the original shot. The Titans got an insurance goal in the 70th when Jennifer Eaton and Alexis Jackson worked hard to win a ball on the right touch line. The ball into the middle went to central midfielder Heather Wein who’s initial shot was parried only to be picked up by Marlene King who ran from the left to right in front of the box before cutting her shot back just inside the near upright. It was King’s first goal of the season.

Photos will follow soon

The Title game will be a rematch of last years semifinal game between Trinity, who finished second after beating Catholic, supported by one of the finest goalkeeping displays I saw last Spring. The Titan’s lost to St Vincent’s 3-1 this season and Coach Drake commented on the quality of play the Indian’s displayed all season. The game was early for Trinity, prior to their late season run when they went 8-5 to get back to a positive record and find the form needed to advance to State for the second straight year. The run coincided with a defensive adjustment and the return goalkeeper Taylor Zerbe, out earlier in the season due to concussion.

The Class 1 Title game will feature Springfield Catholic against Trinity. Game time is 4:00 pm.

The Class 1 3rd Place game will feature the St Vincent Indians against Barstow. Game time is 10:00 am.

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What’s Coming – All Stars, Stats, District Recognition

Posted on May 26, 2010 by Ole

Miriam Taylor, Camdenton Lakers (2013)

Just a heads up on a few things to look for. I’m working hard to

1. Get the Girls Southwest All-Stars announcement done soon. Another day or two!
2. District, Conference and Regional recognition should start trickling out. The Coaches don’t release District until all teams in the District are done playing so some of those will begin soon, followed by the others. I’ll post them here as soon as I get them!
3. I’ve also asked the Coaches to send me their season stats so we can recognize some of the individual play out there. Here’s a preview of the Goalies and the Scorers!

Player, School – Games Played | Goals Allowed | Goals Allowed Average | Shutouts | Win-Loss Record
Rachel Scott & Megan Goetzinger, Springfield Catholic – 20 | 7 | 0.35 | 16 | 17-3
Caylin Manary, Parkview – 19 | 17 | 0.89 | 6 | 15-4

Player, School – Goals, Assists, Total Points – Graduation year, Game Winning Goals
Miriam Taylor, Camdenton – 21, 10, 52 – 2013, 5
Ashleigh Paschel, Camdenton – 20, 8, 48 – 2011, 6
McKenna Adams, Kickapoo – 18, 7, 43 – 2011, 5 – updated
Jessica Smith, Camdenton – 10, 13, 33 – 2010, 2
Haley Baker, Camdenton – 9, 14, 32 – 2011, 1
Shelby Stewart, Parkview – 13, 6, 32 – 2010, 3
Jessica Maerz, Parkview – 11, 8, 30 – 2010, 2
Kelsey Loderhose, Parkview – 12, 4, 28 – 2011, 3
Kelsey Swarens, Carl Junction – 11, 5, 27 – 2012, 1
Marin Gelsheimer, Kickapoo – 11, 1, 23 – 2011, 3
Tash Ugbah, West Plains – 9, 4, 22 – 2012, 4
Melanie Allen, Parkview – 4, 2, 10 – 2010, 2

The All-Star Game is Tuesday June 22nd and there is a Facebook event you can add yourself to

Missouri High School Girls Soccer Opens At Springfield Catholic

Posted on March 2, 2010 by Ole

Head Coach Ben Timson with Jessica Smits (back left)

Spring sports opened across the State on Monday and I made my inaugural trip of the season to see Springfield Catholic, last seen capturing 3rd Place in Class 1 in June 2009. While we might argue the semantics of Spring in the Ozarks right now, with temperatures dropping rapidly during practice, the quality of the squad we can expect to see from the Irish will only support questions of just how far they might go in 2010.

The Irish return ALL of their Regional players from last year, including Co-Offensive POY Shelby Hatz and Natalie Smid, Co-Defensive POY Rebecca Mayus and Carsen Baron, along with Erin FitzGerald and Andrea Parker, all juniors except for central midfielder Erin Fitzgerald, one of three seniors on the squad. The other seniors are Veronica Renner and Rachel Herron and the Irish have TWO quality keepers in Rachel Scott and Megan Goetzinger. A plethora of riches for Coach Ben Timson and new assistant, Jessica Smits, last seen roaming the pitch as a left back for the Missouri State Bears.

The most significant loss was emotional leader Maddy Renner, now matriculating at Central Missouri, but with a varsity roster that includes 20 players with experience at State the girls are primed to make a second straight visit this year and leverage that experience in the same fashion as the boys team who captured 2nd last Fall. So, where do you think they will finish?

I’ll be visiting several other schools during the next two weeks while compiling team schedules and rosters. Look for more as we head for the opening game of the season this year which will be Monday March 22nd at Ozark High School where the Tigers will host the Irish. Mark your calendar now!

Missouri High School Girls Soccer: Class 1 District 6 Semifinal Round

Posted on May 19, 2009 by Ole

#3 McAuley Warriors – 4
#2 Greenwood Blue Jays – 3
In a game that mirrors the regular season match up between these two schools, it was McAuley that storms back from a 3-1 deficit to first tie, and finally win the match this evening. A replica of Greenwood’s results at McAuley in late April. Greenwood set the tone early when Maddie Esther buried a shot from 35 yards out in the 3rd minute of the match. Midway through the half, freshman Sara Cook got through the defense and scored to push the Jay’s ahead as they put together a beautiful game for the first 30 minutes tonight. Ball movement, team defense, it was all there but slowly the Warriors clawed their way back into the game. The first goal was scored in stoppage time in the first half and came from senior Jae Stephens as the Warriors fought to keep the ball in the offensive end following a corner kick and Jae put a loose ball into the roof of the net.

The Jay’s came out strong again in the 2nd half, extending their lead to 2 yet again when Mariah Allai received a pass on the left side of the box and slid her shot to the far post in the 47th minute. There was plenty of action for both teams in the remaining 30 minutes but the momentum, and the win, went to the upstarts. The Warriors got their 2nd goal in the 53rd minute when senior Arielle Santillan finally broke free of the Jay’s tough defense and her shot as she entered the box went just inside the right upright. The Jay’s still had a one goal lead and midway through the half were awarded a PK for a push in the box. Sarah Onstot was able to dive to her right and push the PK wide of the net however and you could begin to sense that maybe things might not go Greenwood’s way. When Santillan got past the defense and knocked her shot in off the right upright in the 68th minute, the tension was palable. It was the Warrior’s who responded to the situation as their team of 13 did not quit. When they earned a corner kick in the final three minutes, it was the third shot that did in the Jays as sophomore Samantha Graham was able to corral an attempted clearance and push it back into the box where senor Erin O’Keefe was able to react to the ball and lift it into the roof of the net above the charging keeper.

Quite a game and a testament to the effort and teamwork that McAuley was able to display. For Greenwood, a difficult lesson made all the more harsh by the quality of play they showed in the first third of the game.

For Newcomers to my website, if you click on any photo you will be taken to the photo hosting site I use for sharing my photos with the community. The address is www.flickr.com/photos/sgfsoccer and you can find an Album (or Set) of your favorite team. Or check the Archive and search by the date the game was played. I also have a site where you can purchase the original high resolution photos, as prints or on calendars, costers, tshirts, you name it. I’m having some internet issues with AT&T right now so it may take a day or two before all of the photos are uploaded. Use the link in the top right (Buy Photos) to revisit and find an album of your favorite team.

#1 Springfield Catholic – 10
#4 Laquey Hornets – 0
Natalie Smid, Anna Delong and Andrea Parker scored two goals each while Maddy Renner, Ronnie Renner, Erin FitzGerald and Bekab Bade each added a goal. Emily Kessler, Shelby Hatz, and Natalie Smid each had two assists. Emily Ortega and Maddy Renner each had one assist. Rachel Scott and Megan Goetzinger combined for the shutout in goal in the 64 minute match.

The final between McAuley and Catholic will be Thursday at 6pm at Pleasant Hope HS.

Tuesday Ozark Conference High School Girls Soccer Report

Posted on May 5, 2009 by Ole

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.

SGFsoccer.com Names First All-Ozarks Freshman Squad

Posted on May 30, 2008 by Ole

A common theme the past two seasons has been the increasing quality of the players who are advancing to the high school ranks. I wrote about it May 1st when I interviewed Natalie Smid and Rachel Scott of Springfield Catholic. I still remember the job that Ozark’s freshman did last year when the Tigers Opened Irish Eyes. Those sophomore players are now being clearly recognized as difference makers.

So I thought I’d tread some new ground and offer my personal take on a group of players that made a significant impact this year as freshman. I asked the coaches for their nominations, narrowed the list based upon my experience, and went back to the coaches a second time. My goal was to create a select list, a team that could come out and compete with some of the best in the region right now. I think we accomplished that with this group, the first of what I hope to make a regular effort. So here’s my All-Ozarks Freshman team.

Forwards

Shelby Hatz, Springfield Catholic
Recognized as a 1st Team Regional player, Shelby wasted no time going forward and creating offensive opportunities for the Irish this year. Blessed with speed and attitude, she gave the Irish a a true 1-2 punch paired with Anna Delong up top. She delivered, scoring 19 goals (1st) and 51 (2nd) points with 13 (2nd) assists for the Irish. Shelby could develop into a top college prospect.

McKenna Adams, Kickapoo Chiefs
Didn’t show up on the varsity roster immediately for the Chiefs, but wasted no time in making an impact, scoring within minutes of coming on in the 2nd half against Rogers (AR) on March 29th. Her stats aren’t gaudy (6 goals and 4 assists this season) but defenses always knew when she had come in. McKenna earned Honorable Mention Ozark Conference and 2nd Team District recognition.

Jonna Welch, Bolivar Liberators
The photo tells the story of Jonna. The best forwards don’t have an off button and enter another zone when they reach the 18 yard box, much like Jonna. Jonna paired with Lindsy Archer up top and helped the Liberators reach the District final this year. She has the best shot in this group and was the leading scorer for the Liberators with 19 goals. Jonna is a 1st Team Central Region player.

Midfielders

Emily Cline, Glendale Falcons
1st team, All-Ozark Conference, the only freshman to earn that distinction and one of the best athletes in the region. Emily has speed, leaping ability and was the leading scorer on the top Class 2 program in the region. 22 goals, 10 assists for 54 points, it’s her willingness to cover the flank defensively as well that makes her the most valuable player in this group.

Natalie Smid, Springfield Catholic
Every team needs a playmaker, a two-way player with the technical skills and vision to bring the best out in their teammates. Natalie distinguished herself in that regard this year, exceeded in Class 1 only by her teammate Tara Bailes. It’s the most important position on the field and it will be her job next year. Natalie earned 1st Team Central Region recognition.

Kelsey Loderhose, Parkview Vikings
One of several players on this list that was called on to deliver from a variety of positions this year, her most valuable contribution to the Vikings this year was when she moved into the middle. Kelsey’s work rate and tackling skills solidified the defense. Her attacking skills are top notch as well. Ozark Conference and District Honorable Mention honors.

Ellen Spooner, Rolla Bulldogs
One of two players described by their Coach as being needed on the field, which translated to playing every position but goalkeeper as the season progressed. Ellen’s ability to contribute across all of these roles is the foundation of a good midfielder and the reason she made this team at that position. Scored 8 goals while contributing 5 assists, she was 4th on the team in total points.

Defenders

Kate Bess, Kickapoo Chiefs
Like her teammate McKenna, Kate was not on the early season rosters at Chiefs games but she was on the pitch. The best defenders are almost invisible in the sense that you may not notice them until they screw up. Kate was solid, reliable and when the Chiefs needed some players to step up in a season filled with injuries, she was there the entire season.

Andrea Parker, Springfield Catholic
This is a player I neglected to recognize all season but will be a name to be reckoned with for the next three years. Playing primarily as a stopper in front of Anne Prenger, her skills and work rate gave the Irish another midfielder effectively. Look for her to step into Prenger’s position as sweeper next year, and continue the Irish dominance in the region. 2nd Team District honors.

Kali Kuse, Camdenton Lakers
A number of teams established new levels of achievement this season, and those improvements always start with defense. The Laker’s saw their goals allowed this year drop significantly, and it started with their sweeper. As important as Kali’s technical skills was her calmness under pressure, a quiet confidence that reflected onto her back line mates and helped Camdenton reach a new level of wins.

Jayme Braun, Ozark Tigers
The second player on this list who was called upon to play every position but goalie for her team. Working primarily as an outside midfielder and outside defender, Jayme left it all on the field. Equally comfortable in the attack or going in for a hard tackle, she helped establish a new attitude for the Tigers that will enhance their pursuit of the first ever Central Ozark Conference title next season. 2nd Team District honors.

Goalkeeper

Rachel Scott, Springfield Catholic
What can you say about the goal keeper that helped lead the Irish to their first ever “Springfield City Championship”? With wins over Kickapoo and Glendale, she established herself as one of the top keepers in the region, regardless of class. MVP GK, Central Region honors, she finished 16-5-2 with 12 shutouts.

Honorable Mention

Alex Cantrell, Marshfield Blue Jays, Forward
Alex is likely to set scoring records for the Blue Jays as her career progresses. 1st Team District honors.

Kelsey Haist, Nixa Eagles, Midfield
Asked to move to central midfield for the first time in her career, Kelsey earned 1st Team District honors for her work. She scored 7 goals, had 1 assist and was the second leading scorer after Stephanie Allen. Update – Honorable Mention Southwest Region!

Carsen Baron, Springfield Catholic, Midfield
A player who played every position except forward, she could develop into one of the best holding midfielders. Great long range shooting ability. 2nd Team District honors, Carsen had 6 assists and 5 goals this year.

McKenzie Payton, Parkview Vikings, Defender
One of only four freshman on the Ozark Conference list, McKenzie earned 2nd Team honors and is a relentless outside defender. 2nd Team Ozark Conference and Honorable Mention District honors.

Kristin Miller, Nixa Eagles, Goalkeeper
Helped keep the Eagles close in every game this year, will be part of an Eagles team that will need her after losing their top 2 career scoring leaders (Yach 2007, Allen 2008).

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