Nixa Eagles Soccer

The Lady Eagles lost Thursday night to cross-county rival, Ozark 4-2. This marks the young team’s fourth straight loss. The game was hard fought on both sides, with the physical play that usually accompanies this rivalry.

The scoring was opened in the 30th minute when a shot from Ozark was rebounded by #10, Erica Hogan who tapped the ball into the open net. The first half ended with Ozark leading 1-0.

The second half began with Ozark pressing the Lady Eagles. Nixa was not able to match their first half intensity in the first 5-10 minutes of the second half and the Tigers took advantage of it. Three minutes into the second half, Hogan again put the ball in the back of the net. This time, straight on from 25 yards, she had a solid strike that was above the outstretched arms of the Kristen Miller.

Seven minutes later, in the 50th minute, #16 Megan Gunnels hit a low ball that skipped in the wet grass and through the arms of Miller. The strike was from 22 yards and found the left side of the net.

The Lady Eagles did not quit however, and began to once again discover their first half form. Senior Stephanie Allen received a ball at the half line, took on two Tiger defenders as she dribbled the ball the entire length of Ozark’s half of the field and eventually beat the oncoming rush of their keeper to slide the ball into the open net. It was a courageous play and gave a spark to the Lady Eagles.

The 71st minute saw the Lady Tigers taking a free kick from just outside the right elbow of the 18 box. Coach Davidson directed his team in a perfectly executed set play. #12, Megan Jenisch took a tapped pass and place the ball perfectly inside the left side of the goal for the 4-1 lead.

Stephanie Allen would score the final goal of the game in the 75th minute. Near the end line to the left of the goal, Allen was able to fight off a defender and come free for the shot. There was little room but Allen managed to find the right angle and beat the goalie on the far side.

But for the first 10 minutes of the second half, the Lady Eagles matched the Lady Tigers. It should give them confidence as the season continues that they can play with the better teams in the area. Hopefully, consistency will be developed as this young team matures. If they can play hard for all 80 minutes, this team will be dangerous come districts.

Final Score
Nixa - 2
Ozark - 4

The Lady Eagles travelled to Neosho on Tuesday night to take on the Lady Cats. The fist half was played to a 0-0 draw. In the second half, the Lady Eagles dominated possession and kept the ball in the attacking third with numerous scoring chances.

The first goal came in the 53rd minute from the Lady Cats however, as a ball was played to Melanie White (#10) just past the half line and behind the Lady Eagles defense. The play appeared to be offside as Hannah Barber raced back with her hand up to signal the referee’s assistant. No call was made and White was able to out-run the defense and beat the goalie, Kristen Miller for the 1-0 lead.

The Lady Eagles quickly tied the match in the 58th minute. Jacklyn Finley played the ball to Kelsey Haist above the 18 box. Haist beat the defender and attacked the goalie perfectly from the left forcing the goalie to the middle. A well placed, low ball slotted to the left of the goalie tied the score 1-1.

Most of the rest of regulation was played in the Lady Eagles attacking third and it seemed they would surely prevail. It was not to be however as many shots missed their mark and good crosses bounced through the 18 box. One exception was a long ball played by the Lady Cats. A 50-50 ball was created with Nixa’s goalie, Kristen Miller coming out high to challenge. Miller won the contest and the match ended 1-1 at the end of regulation.

Two, ten minute overtimes once again saw play dominated by the Lady Eagles. But the net remained empty, forcing the first PKs for either team in a regular season game. A rule change this year created this new format, and it generated plenty of excitement for both teams. Coach Palmer selected Stephanie Allen, Jacklyn Finley, Kelsey Haist, Hannah Barber, and Jo Pavlowsky to take the PKs for the Lady Eagles. Unfortunately, the Lady Cats gained the victory on the last PK by sophomore, Jackie Field (#3).

Final Score
Nixa 3
Neosho 4