West Plains Zizzer Soccer

KC Wizards Exhibition against Missouri State Bears

Originally uploaded by SGFsoccer.com - Photo By Steve ‘Ole’ Olson.

Monday evening the Kansas City Wizards visited Springfield to take on the MSU Bears in an exhibition match. The Wizards got two quick goals and that would be all they would need to beat the Bears. The first goal came on a header by Ryan Pore. A few minutes later Yura Movsisyan scored the eventual game winner.

The Bears were able to get a goal of their own from Omar Shoucair in the second half. That’s how the game would end, 2-1 in favor of the Wizards. The second half was a better half offensively for the Bears, as they were able to generate a few more chances.

Former Zizzer, Nick Dryden (# 18 in white, pictured above), started the game at Center Back for the Bears and played the entire 90 minutes. I thought Nick played a good game. It was the first time I have been able to see him play in a Bears uniform. I look forward to seeing him some more this Fall.

Here is the link to the SGFsoccer.com story on the game

For more photos from the game, click on the picture above. The photos were taken by Steve ‘Ole’ Olson of SGFsoccer.com.

West Plains traveled to Hillcrest on Tuesday and came away with a 2-0 Win. Although the Zizzers were able to create some chances in the first they were unable to put anything in the net, even missing high on a penalty kick in the 31st minute.

In the second half, the Zizzers continued to put the pressure on the Hillcrest defense and finally broke through in the 4th minute. Katie Shannon dribbled inside the box, and from an angle that left her with little room to score, her shot got through for a goal. About 12 minutes later, the game was delayed for 30 minutes because the lightning meter went off. Although no lightning was ever spotted, it was decided that we would wait for 30 minutes before resuming.

After the delay, the Zizzers had several chances, but a couple of saves by the Hillcrest keeper and some shots just wide kept the score 1-0. Then in the 33rd minute of the second half, a ball bounced to Mollie Plocher. Her shot from about 20 yard out bounced off the inside of the left post and in for a 2-0 Zizzer lead. That’s how the game would end. West Plains out shot Hillcrest 20-4 (10-2 Shots on Goal). The Win improves the Zizzer record to 8-13 overall and 2-5 in the Ozark Conference.

In JV action, West Plains defeated Hillcrest 4-0. January Huff got the Zizzers on the board in the 4th minute with assists from Megan Lowe and Kaley Vance. Lowe would get a goal of her own in the 10th minute after receiving a nice diagonal pass from Kalie Simpkins. Two minutes later Lowe scored again, this time with the assist coming from Monique Krueger. The Zizzers led 3-0 at the half (The teams only played 20 minute halves due to darkness). Megan Lowe got the hattrick in the 13th minute of the second half. Kalie Simpkins again found Lowe running toward the backpost. Simpkins diagonal ball found Lowe who went around the Keeper and touched it in for the score.

Hillcrest had a chance to cut into the lead in the 19th minute as West Plains was called for a trip in the box. On the shot Zizzer Keeper Tiffany Mann made a good save to preserve the shutout. The Zizzers won 4-0, improving their record to 3-8 on the season.

Don’t forget to check out the pictures that Steve Olson took last night. Go to SGFsoccer.com to see them.

Next up, games against Waynesville at home on Tuesday. JV first at 4:30pm.

On Tuesday, May 1 between the JV and Varsity Games against Waynesville, we will honor our two Seniors and their parents. This year’s Seniors are Tiffany Vincent (#19) and Kristin Herron (#17). Come out and show your support as we honor these fine young ladies.

Kickapoo came to town Tuesday evening, so it had to rain. It seems like every time these two play, especially on the girls’ side, it rains. After about 12 minutes of action in the Varsity game, there was a delay for lightning. After that passed, the weather wasn’t bad. (I hope I got the names right, I’m just going by our stats - I’ll double check them after Kickapoo posts on their site.)

Kickapoo got on the board in the 11th minute when Paige blotter’s corner kick bounced in the box, right to Megan Melugin at the far post. Melugin lined it up perfectly and placed the ball into the upper corner. Soon after came the weather delay. Katy McLain added to the Kickapoo lead in the 18th minute on a Free Kick from just outside the 18 yard box. McLain’s shot was a beauty into the far corner. Just 10 seconds before the half, Hilary Carr scored by beating the Zizzer defender to a cross inside the 18 yard box.

The Zizzers never quit, working hard from start to finish. It was a good consistent effort from the girls. In the 18th minute of the second half, Kickapoo struck again. This time it was Shelby Setzer getting the goal. Three minutes later, Carr would pick up another goal after several shot attempts were blocked by the Zizzer defense. That’s how it would end. 5-0 in favor of the Chiefs. I was proud of our girls’ effort from start to finish. They kept working hard and working together.

In JV action, Kickapoo scored 2 goals in the first 8 minutes on their way to a 4-0 halftime lead. They increased their lead to 5-0 in the 14th minute of the second half after Tiffany Mann saved one shot, but the rebound was put in by a Chiefs player. In the 28th minute of the half, Kickapoo was called for a foul in the box resulting in a Penalty Kick for West Plains. Kalie Simpkins lined up for the kick and placed the ball in the corner of the goal to cut the lead to 5-1. That’s as close as West Plains could get as the final score was 5-1 Chiefs.

Up next for the Zizzers are matches at Hillcrest on Thursday. Varsity first with JV to follow.

Check out photos from the Lady Zizzer Classic - use the Zizzer Soccer Photos link on the right hand column.

2007 West Plains Lady Zizzer Classic All-Tournament Team

After counting the votes, there will be only one member of the Zizzer Soccer Wall of Honor’s Class of 2007. That person is Nick Dryden who met automatic qualifications and wasn’t subject to the voting process. No other candidates received the required percentage of votes. The next voting will take place in the Spring of 2009. Nick will be honored at halftime of the Lady Zizzer Varsity Game against Springfield Catholic on Monday, May 7. The JV game begins at 5:00pm with Varsity to follow.

Nick Dryden becomes the 16th person to receive a place on the Wall of Honor. Nick was a 4 year Varsity Letter Winner who scored 55 Goals and recorded 19 Assists for a total of 129 points. Each of those marks are Zizzer Team Records. As a Sophomore, Nick earned 2nd Team All-Ozark Conference, 1st Team All-District, and Southwest Missouri All-Region Honors. During his Junior year, he was named 1st Team All-Ozark Conference, 1st Team All-District, and Southwest Missouri All-Region. As a Senior, Nick earned 1st Team All-Ozark Conference, 1st Team All-District,, District Offensive MVP, Southwest Missouri All-Region, All-Ozarks, Honorable Mention All-State and was a Southwest Missouri Senior All-Star Selection.

Nick is continuing his playing career at Missouri State University where he is finishing up his Freshman year.

Day two of the 2007 Lady zizzer Classic provided some great games. The consolation side of the bracket kicked things off at 9:00am. In the game at Carmical Field, West Plains took on Valley View. The Blazers got on the scoreboard in the 12th minute as Shana Broadway was sent in on a diagonal ball that allowed her to get in behind the Zizzer defense and fire a shot into the net. The score would remain 1-0 until the first minute of the second half. Hope Burks pushed the Valley View lead to 2-0 less than 30 seconds into the half. Broadway picked up another goal in the 17th minute of the half. Samantha Wheeler finished the scoring with a penalty kick goal after West Plains was whistled for a handball in the box in the 36th minute of the half. The game ended 4-0 in Valley View’s favor. Valley View outshot West Plains 21-5 (14-2 On Goal).

In the 9:00am game at WPHS, Cape Central and Parkview played a scoreless first half. Cape Central opened the scoring in the 16th minute of the second half as Freshman Danille Markhart picked up the eventual gamewinner on an assist from Sarah Uptmor. Six minutes later Markhart would setup Kacie Broemmeisick for an insurance goal. The final score would be Cpae Central 2, Parkview 0. Cape Central would then face Valley View in the 5th Place game while West Plains would play Parkview for 7th Place.

In semifinal action at 11:00am at WPHS, Notre Dame took on Moberly. The game was scoreless until the 32nd minute when Betsi Stuckel assisted on a goal by Junior, Michelle Dimza. Notre Dame led at the half 1-0. Fifteen minutes into the second half, Senior Sam Lang picked up a goal on an assist from Robyn Meesey. Eleven minutes later, Sophomore, Katherine Corbella scored an unassisted goal. Notre Dame moved on to the championship game with the 3-0 win.

In the other semifinal at Carmical Field, Waynesville took on Sikeston. Waynesville got on the board first (Don’t have the details of that goal). They would add a second goal late in the second half as Erica Combs sent Lauren Kelley in on goal. Kelley’s shot game Waynesville some breathing room as they finished with a 2-0 victory. Waynesville would meet Notre Dame in the Championship game, while Moberly would take on Sikeston for 3rd Place.

Saturday Afternoon - Fianl Round Games

7th Place Game - West Plains vs Parkview

As these two teams met for the third time this season, Parkview was able to jump out to an early lead. In the 10th minute, Freshman Jessica Maerz fired a shot that deflected off of Junior Stephani Wilson to put the Vikings up 1-0. The score would remain that way until the second half. Playing their most complete game of the tournament, the Zizzers were able to move the ball and generate some shots. Parkview was forced to finish the game without goalkeeper Caylin Manary as she left the game about five minutes into the second half after injuring her hand. West Plains would draw level in the 11th minute of the second half when Junior, Michelle Esterle, fed Sophomore, Mollie Plocher, whose shot beat the Keeper to the near post for the Zizzer first goal of the tournament. In the 28th minute of the half, West Plains scored perhaps it’s nicest goal of the season as Esterle dropped a ball back to fellow Junior, Ashlie Conley. Conley’s left footed cross found a streaking Beth Kittle in the box. Kittle’s one-timer gave the Zizzers the lead. Quality crosses into the box has been something the Zizzer attack has been lacking, and play was a beautiful one. Two minutes later, Esterle found herself alone near the corner of the 18 yard box and her shot toward the far post snuck in for a 3-1 Zizzer lead. The Zizzer defensemade the lead hold up as the Zizzers picked up their 7th win of the season, tieing last years mark of 7 wins. Parkview outshot the Zizzers 15-11 (The Zizzers had a 6-5 edge in shots on goal).

5th Place Game - Valley View vs Cape Central

Cape Central and Valley View battled to a 0-0 tie through 80 minutes of regulation play and 20 minutes of overtime. Cape Central seemed to have the better of the run of play, but was unable to find the net, thanks in part to the play of Blazers keeper, Mandy Stapleton. The match would be decided in a penalty kick shootout. Cape Central would shoot first. Jenna Mathews’ shot was saved by Stapleton. Abby Smith would score for Valley View to give the Blazers a 1-0 advantage after Round 1. Next up was Heather Deisher whose shot went just wide of the goal. Madison Maddox stepped up and gave Valley View a 2-0 lead with her shot. Then came Tierra Walker. Walker’s shot cut the Valley View advantage to 2-1. Genie jackson was next for Valley View. Her shot was saved by Jackie Twidwell. Round 4 brought up Sarah Uptmor. Uptmor’s shot knotted things at 2-2. Up stepped Shana Broadway. Broadway gave Valley View a 3-2 lead. It all came down to Cape Central’s last shooter, #16 (I don’t have a name). Her shot was saved by Stapleton and Valley View claimed 5th Place with the 1-0 Victory (When winning a shootout, 1 point is added to the winning teams score as it stood at the end of the Overtimes. In this case it was 0-0, so the score is counted as a 1-0 victory for Valley View).

3rd Place Game - Moberly vs Sikeston

Moberly got on the board first in this battle which I believe was 0-0 at halftime. Moberly’s goal came from Junior, Leslie Grothoff. Sikeston would draw level on a goal by Freshman Emily Eaves. Regulation time ended with the two teams tied at 1-1. They battle continued into the second overtime, where Moberly got the gamewinner from Sophomore Shawn Beard as the Spartans took 3rd Place.

Championship Game - Waynesville vs Notre Dame

The Championship game proved to be an eventful one as the #1 Seed Notre Dame met up with #2 Seed Waynesville. Notre Dame struck first in the 6th minute as Robyn Meesey setup Michelle Spencer inside the 18 yard box to give the Rebels a 1-0 lead. Waynesville would get one of their own in the 10th minute. Notre Dame was called for taking Katie Pritchard down in the box after a 1 v 1 battle. Pritchard scored on the ensuing Penalty Kick to even the score at 1-1. Notre Dame would take the lead in the 29th minute. A high shot was knocked down by Waynesville Keeper, Crystal Hutchinson?, and Danielle Brown was ther to bury the rebound. Two minutes later Michelle Dimza scored off an assist by Robyn Meesey. Three minutes later, Meesey would give Notre Dame a 4-1 as she got a goal of her own. An initial shot hit the crossbar and Meesey knocked home the rebound before Hutchinson could corral it. At the half, Notre Dame led 4-1 and looked to have things wrapped up. Notre Dame’s 3 goals in a 5 minute span seemed to take something out of the Tigers.

As the second half started, the Tigers seemed to play with a renewed energy and focus. In the 9th minute, katie Pritchard was sent in on a semi-breakaway. Pritchard was able to fight off a chasing defender and put one past the Notre Dame Keeper to cut the lead to 4-2. About six minutes later, Natasha Lord cut the lead to 4-3 as things really started to pick up. In about the 36th minute, an innocent looking long ball was sent in by Orielle Thomas. As the Keeper came out to get the ball, it bounced high off the hard ground, over the Keeper’s head and into the goal to tie the score at 4-4. With about one minute to play. Lord took a direct free kick from 45 yards out. The kick was high and went over the outstreched arms of the Notre Dame Keeper and under the crossbar for a 5-4 Waynesville lead. Notre Dame wasn’t finished. With about 20 seconds to play, Notre Dame earned a corner kick. The kick went into the box where it bounced around a few times, ending up behind the Waynesville Keeper. It looked like the game might be headed to overtime as the ball crossed the goalline, but during the scramble Notre Dame was called for a foul (Not sure exactly what happend because I couldn’t see the whole play from my vantage point). A few seconds later the final whistle blew and Waynesville walked away with the 5-4 victory.

West Plains would like to thank all the teams for coming. The tournament was great. We would also like to thank all volunteers that helped things go smoothly. Thanks parents and ball girls, Mrs. Saner, Custodians, and Kitchen Staff. We really appreciate all your efforts.

Day one of the Lady Zizzer Classic went great, except for the result of the West Plains game. In that match, the Zizzers lost to the #3 Seed Sikeston by the score of 5-0. Sikeston got on the board first when Jordi Ferrell’s corner kick bounced in the box and Laura Atchison knocked it in for a 1-0 Sikeston lead in the 6th minute of play. Five minutes later Sikeston pushed the lead to 2-0 as Jordan Rodgers fed Emily Eaves who got around the West Plains defender and beat an onrushing Jamie Brassfield with her shot from the edge of the 18 yard box. In the 24th minute, Abbi Keefer was set up by Jordi Ferrell. Keefer’s 15 yard shot eluded Brassfield, and Sikeston would take a 3-0 lead into halftime.

In the second half, Sikeston wasted little time adding to their lead. Just under a minute into the half, Sikeston earned another corner kick. This time Ferrell’s kick found Abbi Keefer who scored her second goal of the game. Ferrell wasn’t finished. She would pick up her fourth assist of the game in the 15th minute of the second half when she set up Jennifer Millington for a goal. The Zizzers didn’t have one of their better performances. At times they did things well, but not with the consistency needed against a team of Sikeston’s caliber. Sikeston outshot West Plains 24-1 (17-1 in Shots On Goal).

In the 5:00pm game at Carmical Field, Waynesville was up 5-0 at the half enroute to a 7-0 win over Valley View. Waynesville will play Sikeston at 11:00am at Carmical Field in one Semifinal Match. West Plains will face Valley View at 9:00am at Carmical in the loser’s bracket.

The 5:45pm game at WPHS was a good battle between Moberly and Cape Central. In the 25th minute of the half Shaylyn Cooksey picked a goal after Kennedy Seifert’s initial attempt was knocked away by the Cape Central Keeper. Play went back and forth with Moberly enjoying a little more of the run of play in the first half. In the second half, both teams had chances, but neither could find the net until Brynne Stansberry scored on an assist from Shawn Beard with about a minute to go in the game to give Moberly the 2-0 win.

The 7:30pm game at WPHS saw Notre Dame taking on a Parkview team that battled hard despite some injuries. Notre Dame first struck in the 13th minute as Robyn Meesey got the goal on an assist from Michelle Spencer. Despite some chances for Notre Dame, the score would remain 1-0 at the half. In the second half, Parkview Keeper Caylin Manary really stepped up, making 3 great diving stops to keep Parkview within a goal. Parkview tried to equalize with some counter attacks, but weren’t able to generate enough opportunities. Finally in the 15th minute of the second half, Notre Dame would score again. This time Meesey was assisted by Caity Zielinski. Ten minutes later Michelle Seier would pick up a goal on a pass from Michelle Dimza. Betsi Stuckel would finish off the scoring with an unassisted goal 5 minutes later.

Moberly and Notre Dame will face off in semifinal action at 11:00am at WPHS. Cape Central will face Parkview at 9:00am at WPHS in loser’s bracket action. At 1:00pm, the 7th place game will be played at Carmical Field and the 5th place game will be played at WPHS. At 3:00pm the 3rd place game will be played at Carmical Field and the Championship Game will be played at WPHS.

Former Zizzer Soccer Player Josh Posegate (Class of 2000) has taken over the Head Coaching duties this Spring at Marshall High School in Marshall, MO. Josh is also an Assistant Coach for the boys team at Marshall. The Marshall News did a season preview article a few weeks back. Marshall ended a long losing streak that dated back nearly two years, with a tie against NCMC Conference Foe, Kirksville, as the teams tied 0-0 on April 5th.

The Lady Owls are scheduled to face Moberly, a team that will be at the Lady Zizzer Classic this weekend, on Tuesday April 24. Here’s wishing Josh the best of luck. Maybe we can get him “back home” as part of our tournament next year.

Come out and watch some good soccer this weekend as WPHS hosts the 4th Annual Lady Zizzer Classic. The tournament will feature teams from around the state as well as 1 team from Arkansas.

The Lady Zizzers will kick off the tournament at 4:00pm Friday at the WPHS Soccer Field as they take on the #3 seeded Sikeston Bulldogs.

At 5:00pm at Carmical Field, #2 Seed Waynesville will take on #7 Valley View High School from Jonesboro, Arkansas.

At 5:45pm at WPHS, #4 Moberly (who received votes in the first Class 1 State Rankings) will face #5 Cape Girardeau Central.

The final match on Friday will see #1 Seed and #11 Ranked (Class 1) Notre Dame High School of St. Louis against # 8 Seeded Parkview High School of Springfield at 7:30pm at WPHS.

Loser’s Bracket Games will begin at 9:00am Saturday at both WPHS and Carmical. Winner’s Bracket Semifinals will be at 11:00am at both fields.

At 1:00pm the 7th Place Game will be at Carmical and the 5th Place game will be at WPHS.

At 3:00pm the 3rd Place match will be at Carmical and the Championship match will be at WPHS.