In an match that meant a lot to Parkview both because of Ozark Conference implications, as well as some history between the two teams because of last years match, the lady Vikings took care of business on Thursday night. Parkview won the match 1-0, getting the game winning goal from who Ole from SGFsoccer.com called “the always reliable Jessica Maerz.” Last year the Vikings went to Waynesville and were beaten badly, but Parkview came out looking for a little revenge and got it this time.

The one goal of the night came when Kelsey Loderhose, playing forward, got the ball on the wide-right side of the field. Loderhose collected the ball and played it directly into the middle of the field to an open Jessica Maerz. Maerz took a touch and slid the ball into the far post corner of the goal.

This was Parkview’s best performance in the past few weeks, the all around improved play and work ethic. Playing without Shelby Stewart for the last 65 minutes of the match, the Viking defense of Mckenzi Payton, Holly Messick, Sydney Nelson, Anna Bingham (and for a long while, Lauren Fetty) limited the Tigers to very few scoring opportunities. The midfield of Olivia Solari and Jessica Maerz worked as a team to contain Waynesville’s dangerous weapons, and Maerz was able to contribute heavily on the attack.

The Vikings are now 11-9 with three regular season games left. Last year the team finished 11-10. Maerz currently has 21 goals on the season to lead the team, after scoring 14 all of last year. This win also puts the Vikings right in the middle of the pack in the Ozark Conference, with a record of 4-4, and only one O.C. game left (West Plains).

(Edit: This was coach Clint Nurnberg’s 200th career high school soccer varsity coaching win. Congrats Coach!)

Scoring summary: Jessica Maerz 1g, Kelsey Loderhose 1a

Mary Langebartel had an exceptional game for the Vikings, but soccer is a team sport and she did not have much help on Thursday in the JV match. Parkview’s JV squad lost 0-4 in a very frustrating game, but will look to get back on track this Saturday in the Ozark JV Tournament.

Ole from www.sgfsoccer.com was at the game tonight, and you can check out his pictures from the match, as well as the other scores of the night on his site.

The Vikings put an end to their recent woes on Tuesday night, beating the Hillcrest Hornets 8-1. Jessica Maerz scored a hat trick on the night to lead the Vikings, and had one of the prettier goals of the night when Meaghan Allen crossed a ball from the edge of the eighteen into the six yard box and directly to Maerz’s foot for a one-time finish. Shelby Stewart and Kelsey Loderhose each had two goals for the Vikings, who also got a goal from Molly Robb. After going 11-10 last year, the Vikings are currently 10-9 on the season with at least five games left.

Scoring summary: Jessica Maerz 3g, Shelby Stewart 2g, Kelsey Loderhose 2g, Molly Robb 1g 1a, Meaghan Allen 2a, Mckenzi Payton 1a (Hillcrest: Freeman? 1g)

Alex Shupert scored two goals for the Junior Varsity squad, leading them to a 2-0 victory. The Vikings have not struggled to score recently, but have not had success keeping their opponents out of the net. Tonight the defense did not give up very many opportunities, and keeper Maddie George took care of everything that came her way. Mary Langebartel took care of the middle of the field for the Vikings, and a defense made up of Anna Bingham, Andrea Wynn, Lauren Fetty, and Carsen Miller held down the fort in the back.

Scoring summary: Alex Shupert 2g, Maddie George- shutout

The Vikings play Waynesville on Thursday. The Varsity squads will play first at 4:00pm on the PHS grass field, and the JVs will follow at about 5:45pm. Waynesville is a fellow Ozark Conference team, which makes this matchup even more important. We only have four games left before Districts, and goals left to fulfill (12+ wins/5 conference wins, anyone?), so come out and support the team!

Shelby Stewart, Jessica Maerz, and Mckenzi Payton were named to the West Plains Zizzer Classic All-Tournament team.

Stewart scored 3 goals and had 1 assist during the tournament, while Maerz scored 6 goals. Payton, playing mostly at sweeper, held down the back defensively for the Vikings, who gave up 4 goals in 3 games. These three ladies led Parkview to their first two-win showing in the Zizzer Classic, as well as a first place finish in their division.

Last year keeper Caylin Manary was the lone selection to the All-Tournament team in West Plains, and she was the only one as a freshmen two years ago as well.

A brand look, both in strategy and starters, was not enough to keep the Vikings from losing 1-7 to the Chiefs. Still playing without Melanie Allen, and playing last night also without keeper Caylin Manary or reserves Lauren Fetty, Andrea Wynn and Anna Bingham, the Vikings put a bit of a patchwork lineup out on the field. After an early goal on last night’s starter Maddie George that put the Chiefs up 1-0, the Vikings answered quickly. Mckenzi Payton, playing at center mid for the first half of Thursday’s game, put a nice effort right off the crossbar. Soon after Payton’s close-call, Meaghan Allen got an opportunity from just outside the 18′ and finished it to tie the match at 1-1. The halftime score was 1-3 Chiefs, but the Vikings could not keep it close (and at the end of the match had one healthy sub on the bench). Jessica Maerz had what was possibly her best game of the season for the Vikings. Starting at sweeper (a position that is normally held down quite nicely by Payton), Maerz kept the back clean in the first half and allowed Payton to get into the offensive mix. In the second half with the two switched positions back, Maerz was the most aggressive and hard working she has been probably since the Ozark game early in the season. Olivia Soliari had one of her better games of the season as well, playing at the stopper position, and winning 50-50s all night. It’s also clear that Allen’s game has come along quite nicely, as she has really finished her chances well of late. It’s been a tough stretch for Parkview, and they seem to be at a fork in the road. After a strong start, the Vikings have struggled recently for multiple reasons, and are looking to get back on track with a team-focused positive attitude, harder all-around work ethic, and mental toughness.

Scoring summary: Meaghan Allen 1g

The Junior Varsity squad didn’t fare any better on Thursday, losing 0-7 to Kickapoo. Minus three starting defenders: Anna Bingham, Andrea Wynn, and Lauren Fetty, the Vikings had to move people all over the field, taking a lot away from what has recently been a pretty potent offense. Anna Withers, Julie Ryan, and Maddie George all played keeper for the Vikings, with Amanda Leckrone moving from forward to sweeper, and Sydnie Pilkinton moving from mid to outside back for the first half. Mary Langebartel and Molly Robb provided some offensive opportunities for the Vikings, but didn’t have enough help to build much up.

The Junior Varsity will take part in the KHS JV tournament on saturday, with matches at Kickapoo at both 10:00am and 12:00pm. Both squads will face Hillcrest at home on Tuesday, with the Varsity squads kicking off at 4:00pm and the JV squads to follow around 5:30pm.

Parkview was beat by the Camdenton Lakers 1-8 on Tuesday night. The Vikings gave up a couple of early goals before losing keeper Caylin Manary to a head injury. Maddie George played out the majority of the first half in goal, but because she had already played 2 halves in the JV match, sophomore Julie Ryan played the second half in goal. It was only Ryan’s 3rd time playing keeper in any game ever, and also her first time in a Varsity match. Sydie Pilkinton scored her first Varsity goal by being first to a loose ball in the box and slotting it past the keeper.

Scoring Summary: Sydnie Pilkinton 1g

The Junior Varsity squad played the first match of the night, and had a stellar match considering the circumstances. The Viking JV lost 2-3 without starting sweeper Anna Bingham and starting center mid Mary Langebartel. Amanda Leckrone moved from forward to sweeper for the game and held down the position nicely, and the Vikings looked great on both sides of the ball in the first half. Keyuna Mays and Molly Robb scored for Parkview, but the Vikings could not hold the lead due to a lack of depth on this particular night, along with a couple mental errors late.

Scoring summary: Keyuna Mays 1g, Molly Robb 1g

Parkview plays Kickapoo next on Thursday this week. The Junior Varsity squads face off at 5:30pm on JFK, with the Varsity game to follow around 7:00pm.

With a record of 2-1, the Parkview Lady Vikings tied for 1st place in the White Division with Affton. The Vikings defeated Cape Central and Liberty (Mountain View), with a loss to Sikeston in between, to send their overall record to 9-7. This marks the first time the Vikings have ever won this particular tournament, as well as their first 2-win showing in the Zizzer Classic.

See below for tournament match results and statistics.

Photos from West Plain’s website.

Congratulations ladies!

Zizzer Classic
Varsity- Match #3

Parkview 6
Liberty- Mt. View 0

Scoring summary: Jessica Maerz 4g, Kelsey Loderhose 1g, Caylin Manary 1a

Tournament Record: 2-1
Overall Record: 9-7

Joe George’s photos of the match.