On Saturday, the Zizzers traveled to Springfield for the Greenwood Classic. In their first game, the Zizzers faced off against the host school. Greenwood took a 1-0 lead in the first half. In the second half, the Zizzers tied the game on a 35 yard shot by Emilio Navarrete. As the end of regulation was nearing, it looked like time would run out with the score still tied at 1-1. With about 6 minutes to play, Greenwood was awarded a free kick just outside the Zizzers’ 18-yard box. The Bluejays converted the kick on a shot to the upper corner of the goal. Despite not having much time left, the Zizzers didn’t quit. About a minute later, Navarrete sent a pass to Logan Johnson who was streaking toward the goal. Johnson sent a hard shot past the Greenwood keeper and into the net to tie the game at 2-2.
After two 10-minute Overtime periods. The game was still tied. The winner would now be decided in a penalty kick shootout. In the shootout, Greenwood would convert 3 kicks, Zizzer Keeper Nick Polston would save 1 shot and 1 shot would go wide of the goal. For the Zizzers, Colton Hensley, Ethan Hunt, Trevor Cressman, and Zack Dixon converted their kicks and the Greenwood keeper made 1 save. The 4-3 advantage in the shootout gave the Zizzers the victory.
In the Championship Game the Zizzers faced the Marshall Owls. The Owls are coached by former Zizzer, Josh Posegate. It was the Owls who got off to a strong start, scoring 3 goals in the first half. The Owls would add a fourth goal in the second half before the Zizzers finally got on the scoreboard. The Zizzers’ goal was scored by Dillon Biggers after receiving a pass from Colton Hensley. The Owls won the tournament with the 4-1 victory over the Zizzers. The slow start for West Plains proved costly. The Owls were able to get a lead that the Zizzers couldn’t come back from.
Next up for the Zizzers are games at Glendale on Monday. The JV game will start at 5:00pm followed by the Varsity game.