The Parkview Varsity squad faced Neosho on thursday night looking to start a new win streak, not only were they successful by defeating Neosho 6-1 at JFK but they were also able to re-awaken the sleeping giant which has been the offense. Parkview’s Varsity had only been able to score 7 goals in their last 7 games (although they were 6-1 over that stretch), but against the Wildcats the Vikings were able put a crooked number on the scoreboard relatively early in the match. The Vikings dominated play early in the game by controlling the midfield, playing 1 and 2 touch balls, and spread the field. The Vikings scored the first two goals of the match, one of which was on a cross from the corner by Tim Griffin that deflected off Matt Medley and into the perfect spot for striker Matt Beckett to finish off into the back of the net. With the Vikings up 2-0 early in the game Neosho was able to take advantage of a corner kick on a cross and volley finish, leaving the halftime score 2-1 Parkview. The second half the Viking team took the field with renewed aggressiveness and a nose for the goal, Morgan Holt hit a rocket into the corner of the goal and Matt Beckett played a perfect ball up to Tim Griffin who was able to finish with a beautiful half volley shot of his own into the upper corner of the netting. The final score was 6-1 Parkview, who were able to awaken their offense thanks to a commitment to quick passing and quality team play.
The Junior Varsity Parkview squad was also able to pick up a win thursday night against the Wildcats, claiming a 1-0 victory for their 3rd of the season. The Viking defense was able to limit the number of Neosho shots on goal, earning their keeping a shut-out that is more a statement of quality defensive play than anything else. Parkview was able to stay marked the majority of the game, keeping the ball on the offensive half of the field for the majority of the match. A penalty kick was earned in the box when a Viking player was fouled as he dribbled through defenders, and Sam Vigil was able to put the penalty shot in the upper 90 of the goal for his second successful penalty kick in as many attempts. This match was a strong improvement from their 2-0 loss in Camdenton mostly because the boys were able to stay mentally and physically in the game from whistle to whistle, marking well, winning headers and 50-50 balls in the middle of the field, and playing aggressivelly throughout.
The Vikings face Lebanon at home on tuesday. These teams have faced off once before during the year with Parkview taking an early season 4-0 victory in a varsity only Viking Tournament match. The game will be played on the Vikings’ grass field with varsity playing at 4:00 and the junior varsity match to follow.
-Joseph Florez
