On the first REAL soccer day of the fall season (gray, cool and blustery) the Varsity Vikings edged out the visiting Rolla Bulldogs, 2-1. In a game reminiscent of the team’s match against Rock Bridge, the Vikings controlled much of the play but had a hard time breaking down their opponent’s defense. Despite a flurry of shots on goal and crossing shots from both corners, the team was unable to find the back of the net in the first half. In similar fashion, the Bulldogs were unable to finish on a couple of scoring opportunities and the teams left the field tied at 0-0.

The Viking’s offensive assault on Rolla continued in the second half until a shot on the ground from Jason Florez slipped under the Rolla keeper. The Viking lead was short-lived, however, as minutes later, a Rolla forward beat keeper Tyler Kutz with a low ball to the far left post.

Balanced play from both teams then had fans beginning to wonder if the game was heading for overtime and more importantly, if they could stay warm enough without retrieving the soccer blanket from the car. Fortunately, with less than five minutes in the game, the Vikings kept the ball bouncing around in the Rolla box until senior Seth Fuson beat the keeper from the left side of the goal. The referee signaled the end of the game minutes later with the Vikings on top, 2-1.

A hard-fought battle between the junior varsity squads had a less satisfying ending for the Vikings. With the teams tied 2-2 in the second half, the Vikings suffered an “own goal” to put the Bulldogs on top. Several last-minute scoring opportunities for the Vikings had Parkview fans hoping for a tie, but it was not to be.