Both Parkview High School Viking squads have posted big wins to open the 2006 high school soccer season.
The varsity Vikings kicked off Thurs., Aug. 31 with a home-opener against the Carthage Tigers. Although the Tigers threatened throughout the game, Parkview was able to put four balls in the back of the net while holding Carthage scoreless. This outcome significantly betters the Vikings’ narrow, 1-0 win against Carthage last year. In similar fashion, the junior varsity Vikings were able to hold their opponent scoreless while scoring two goals for a win.
The following afternoon, the junior varsity Vikings took the field first, kicking off against the Jefferson City Jays. The close, 70 minutes of play included scoring opportunities for both teams. However, boosted by several key saves from freshman goalie Jonathan Malter, the Vikings came out on top, posting a hard-earned, 1-0 victory.
The varsity game that followed proved no less exciting. Last year’s match between Jeff City and Parkview ended with the Jays on top, 2-1. The Jays eventually ended the season ranked 13th in the state. The Vikings knew a win this year would not only avenge that loss, but gain the team some well-deserved recognition.
The first half saw both teams aggressively attacking the ball. Battling at equal levels of play, the Vikings took a narrow, 1-0 lead into halftime after successfully finishing on a scoring opportunity. Midway through the second half, Viking fans began to relax when the Vikings again found the back of the net. Their relief, however, was short-lived.
The Jays refused to give up and were eventually successful at putting a point of their own on the scoreboard. It then took every effort by the Vikings to neutralize a newly-energized Jeff City squad. In the end, however, the Vikings accomplished their goal of beating the Jays ~ and reversed last year’s score in the process.