The Parkview Lady Vikings battle valiantly but lost a well fought match in PKs at Ozark on Friday night. The leaders led for the Vikings, the key players did their jobs and more, and the role players stepped in and played a part. Play was solid all the way around for the Vikings, as Mckenzi Payton had her best game of the season at sweeper, thwarting many Tiger opportunities throughout the match. Payton stepped up well and tackled hard, and was well supported by the rest of her defense. Jessica Maerz had a huge game in the middle of the field for the Vikings, winning balls in the middle of the field and working great with Shelby Stewart throughout th match to create goal-scoring opportunities on the offensive end. The first goal of the match came on a pass from Holly Messick and a finish by Shelby Stewart to put the Vikings up 1-0. Stewart had a ridiculous game, easily her best of the season not only because of her goal scoring ability, but also her work ethic throughout the match. After an Ozark goal off of a cross, the Vikings answered again on another goal by Stewart, this time with the assist coming from Kelsey Loderhose. The Tigers were able to match the goal again to make the score 2-2.
With the score tied 2-2 at the end of regulation, both teams found themselves with a couple quality chances each. Neither team could find the back of the net, which sent the match into Penalty Kicks.
Jessica Maerz and Shelby Stewart both made their Penalty Kicks, and Caylin Manary saved one and watched one sail over the bar, but the Vikings didn’t do quite enough to win the match.
The Ozark soccer website, which always does great write-ups, has a really nice article that recaps the game quite well from another perspective. It’s definitely worth a look. They even mention Shelby Stewart’s last breakaway of the match and a referee decision that I chose not to mention. Check it all out here, and here’s an excerpt from Ozarktigersoccer.com:
Ozark = Megan Jenisch. good 1-0
Parkview = Jessica Maerz. good 1-1
Ozark = Megan Gunnels. good 2-1
Parkview = Shelby Stewart, good 2-2
Ozark = Rachel Haden, good 3-2
Parkview = stopped by Paige Hemphill 3-2
Ozark = shot over the crossbar 3-2
Parkview = shot pushed over the crossbar by Hemphill 3-2
Ozark = shot stopped by [Caylin Manary] 3-2
Parkview = shot wide to the left.
Scoring Summary: Shelby Stewart 2g, Kelsey Loderhose 1a, Holly Messick 1a
Check out Mr. George’s photos from the match as well.
OMG WHAT A GAME, JOSEPH, YOU MUST HAVE JUST POSTED THIS. ITS 10:45 FRIDAY PM AND ONE MINUTE THE ONLY POSTING WAS FROM THURSDAY AND THEN FLASH, HERES TONIGHTS POSTING. YOURE AWESOME!
THE TEAM PLAYED WELL TOGETHER, MAKING GREAT AND SMART PASSES, EVERYTHING WORKED. SHELBY WAS ON FIRE! CAYLIN DID A GREAT JOB, AS USUAL, AND I MUST SAY THAT MY BABY HAD AN AWESOME GAME, ACTUALLY EVERYONE PLAYED GREAT. HAVE A GOOD WEEKEND
Yeah, you read the rough draft without a picture or everything I wanted to get something up quick on this game since I had the chance, but it’ll look better tomorrow with Mr. George’s photos and a link to Ozark’s site. What a game…we played great…