Despite playing one of their best all around games of the season, the Lady Zizzers’ 2007 soccer season ended Saturday with a 1-0 loss to Joplin McAuley. West Plains came out right from the start communicating well and playing together defensively. That translated to an improved offensive performance. The Lady Zizzers were able to connect passes and move the ball down the field. The two teams battled through a scoreless first half. Each team had a couple of free kick opportunities, but came up empty.
In the second half, the Lady Zizzers were able to convert more of their opportunities into shots on goal, but couldn’t get anything past McAuley Keeper, Lindsay Keys. Then in the 55th minute, McAuley’s Jonna Brothers got in alone against Lady Zizzer Keeper, Michelle Esterle. As Esterle came out at her, Brothers was able to slide a ball past her and into the goal for a 1-0 McAuley lead.
After a few minutes, West Plains picked up the pace a little more as they generated several scoring chances. Lindsey Keys and the rest of the McAuley defense were able to keep the Lady Zizzers off the scoreboard as they held on for a 1-0 win. By our stats, West Plains outshot McAuley 15-12 (11-5 in Shots on Goal). With the win, McAuley advances to Monday’s Semifinal where they will face Springfield Catholic who defeated Pleasant Hope 11-1.
The Lady Zizzers have nothing to put their heads down about. They played hard to the finish, playing perhaps their most complete game of the season. The only thing they were unable to do was put the ball in the goal. If you are going to lose, it’s best to go out playing well and that is what they did. West Plains finishes the season with a record of 8-17-0. We will miss our two Seniors, Tiffany Vincent and Kristin Herron, but with the players we should have back next year, we will look to improve ourselves.
For more on the District games, including photos, visit SGFsoccer.com. Steve Ole Olson was out watching the games and taking pictures.