After a half hour rain delay before the start of the game, the Parkview Varsity boys picked up a win against the first year Catholic squad. Catholic, the first seed in Class 1 District 6, battled well throughout the game and challenged Parkview early by playing well up the middle of the field, but Parkview regrouped and scored two goals in the first half dominating the majority of play. The Vikings possessed well on the back line, passing around instead of forcing the ball up the middle of the field, Parkview used their wings well and although the Irish were able to get a goal in the second half the Vikings won the physical match 4-1.

The Junior Varsity boys played before the rain delay, and were able to hold on to a 1-0 lead against Catholic JV squad. The Vikings were missing a few players for this match but were able to overcome their shortage thanks to a goal by Blake White that got under the keeper. White continues lead the Junior Varsity in goals despite splitting time between outside back and outside midfielder. Strong play by the defense as a whole helped the Vikings keep the shutout, especially from outside backs Travis Dillard and Taylor Rich.

Joseph Florez

The Vikings Varsity squad scored early and often in their match against the Lebanon Yellow-Jackets, winning the match 8-1. Parkview previously played Lebanon once earlier in the season during the “Parkview Shootout,” the final score of that game being 4-0, but the Vikings offense was hitting on all cylinders Tuesday night as Tim Griffin had to be the player of the match scoring a total of 4 goals.

The Parkview Junior Varsity team also got a win Tuesday thanks to a shot from the mark by Sam Vigil following Christian Weaver being fouled in the penalty area. Weaver received a passed and as he split two defenders on the dribble he was tripped in the box. Vigil stepped up and hit is second penalty kick from the mark this season, and the Vikings came out with a 1-0 win.

Joseph Florez

10/22 – Monday – “Continued” Waynesville game – Away 5:00 Varsity 1-0 us with 6 minutes to play in the first half
JV will finish their game with Waynesville as well, 1-1 score at halftime

10/23 – Tuesday – Ozark – Away – 4:00 – V – JV game has been CANCELED

Ozark Conference, Class 3, District 12 Seeding & Game Information – Games held at Joplin
#1 – Kickapoo
#2 – PARKVIEW
#3 – Joplin
#4 – Ozark
#5 – Neosho
#6 – Nixa

First round: Monday, October 29th
Kickapoo & Parkview – bye
#4 Ozark #5 Neosho
#3 Joplin vs. #6 Nixa

Semi-Finals: Tuesday, October 30th
#1 Kickapoo vs. winner of #4/#5
#2 Parkview vs. winner of #3/#6

Finals: Thursday, November 1st at 6:00PM

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

Neosho comes to town tomorrow, with games at JFK. The JV starts first at 5:30pm followed by the Varsity. Come out and support the Vikings!

The Parkview boys varsity looked to continue their 8 game unbeaten streak Tuesday night, but instead were defeated by the Camdenton Lakers 2-0. The play was even from the start of the match, with both teams applying pressure on goal but neither getting any great scoring chances until the middle of the first half when a Camdenton player passed the ball up to an attacker guarded by Jared Moore. Moore made what seemed to be a solid tackle just outside the 6, knocking the ball completely outside of the penalty area and making contact with the attacker as well. The referee decided that this tackle was a foul, resulting in a penalty kick for the Lakers inside the penalty area. Goalkeeper Jon Malter made a diving save to his left knocking the ball out but a Camdenton player followed up the play and finished the goal before any Parkview players could recover. Coach Clint Nurnberg demanded an explanation for a call that he clearly disagreed with, but the referee refused to acknowledge him until forced to converse with coach after giving a yellow card to team captain Will Griffin. Parkview was issued 4 yellow cards in the match, their most on the season, including one for Coach Nurnberg following the penalty kick goal. Throughout the rest of the game both teams played a physical and aggressive brand of soccer, and Parkview was able to create a few great scoring chances in part thanks to a solid game by outside-midfielder Leland Eckstam who was able to penetrate, cross, and make plays for the Vikings. Clearly though Parkview struggled due to an inablitity to finish chances and making a habit of losing the ball on the dribble. The goalkeeping of Jon Malter was a big positive for the Parkview boys, although no-one was without flaw Malter not only saved the penalty kick attempt but also showed improved aggressiveness by coming out to grab crosses and balls played over the top.

The Parkview boys junior varsity, who played the first game of the night, had a twin result but a much different game. Parkview gave up a goal right off the bat due to a marking mistake by the defense, starting down a goal which was something the Vikings had been able to avoid of late. The first half ended 2-0 Lakers, and as the second half was underway it was clear that Parkview had decided to give maximum effort from the start, something that had eluded them in the first half. The play was increasingly better throughout the majority of the second half for the Vikings, who found themselves gaining momentum and challenging the keeper with a handful of opportunities. Parkview however was unable to finish chances however, and the game ended with the Vikings losing 2-0.

The Parkview boys will look to rebound in their game against a tough Neosho squad on Thursday night at home. The game will be played at 5:30 on JFK with the JV taking the field first and the Varsity to follow. This Thursday night game at home should be a fun one so come out and support our team!

Also important to note is the “Southwest Missouri Soccer Coaches poll #3, Class 3″ that was recently released, moving Parkview up the ladder.

1-Glendale (35) 14-1
2-Kickapoo (28) 12-3
3-Rolla (21) 12-4
4-Parkview (13) 11-4-1
5-Joplin (8) 10-5

-Joseph Florez