Cards Top Cubs in Overtime

An exciting night as the Cards took the field against the Monett Cubs. We went in short-handed as usual but were able to put together an effective game to win 3-2 in the first overtime. The uneasiness of playing without four starters went away before the match even started. The team seemed confident during warm-up and when that beginning whistle blew, they were ready to play.

The Cubs got on the board first with a free kick that snuck in on the near post. But possession in the first half belonged to Webb City, who had a few missed opportunities to find the net. The defense was shutting down the quick Monett attack. Experience from last year told them what to look for.

To start the second half, Webb came out looking for goals and got the first one on a breakaway by sophomore Alex Christian who’s speed was greater than that of the Monett backfield and he found himself one on one with the keeper, putting Webb City on the board.

Monett scored again on a very nice cross to find their man at the back post to regain the lead. Minutes later, Senior Austin Doran answered back with his first goal of the season to tie it up once more with four minutes remaining.

Webb City went in to overtime with a plan of attack that would prove the perfect solution. A through ball was sent forward to freshman Matt Reynolds who placed the ball just past the reach of the keeper to get the golden goal and win the game. This was the first varsity goal for Reynolds and what a goal to have!

Get well PJ and Cody.

Coach S

Pictures Cancelled-schedule change for Tuesday

We have cancelled team pictures for this Wednesday because of recent disciplinary issues that need to be addressed before we take time out of practice for a team photo. 

We will also be playing Varsity only on Tuesday at Monett. All of the players eligible to play will dress out for the match. It is most likely that all players will be playing in the match. Thursday's game is still undecided as far as whether we will have a JV match or not. I will keep everyone posted. The Willard tournament will still go as scheduled, however, we will likely be taking ALL players to this tournament as well. If there are any concerns, please feel free to email them to me.

Coach S

Parent's Meeting Wednesday Sept.30th

Parents,

We will be having a parent's meeting to address some recent events and clearing up the rumors so that everyone is clear on what has happened. The meeting will also be informational with regard to the subject. We are requesting that ALL parents, or at least one for each player attend. I know this is a church/youth night for many families, so we will have it at 5:30 and try to make it short. If your situation will not allow you to attend, please contact me before the meeting. My cell number is 439-9942.

The players will have a meeting of their own tomorrow (Monday) before practice. Since this is a public blog, I would ask that we respect the privacy of those involved by not mentioning anything in the comments section. I would also ask that you pray for all of the people that have been affected by the recent events.

Thanks,

Coach S

Tough Night at NIxa--Injuries Continue to Plague

Well, what can we say, it's hard to gauge ourselves against a quality team such as we saw last night when we can't have our whole squad healthy and ready to play. Nixa gave us a good wake-up call last night in their 6-0 victory. Probably the most valuable lesson we can take from this match is that every single player on the field needs to be ready to fill in at any position. Every player has to give it all in preparation because whether you are a JV or Varsity player, starter or reserve, offense or defense, you are likely going to be called on at some point when the game is on the line. 

After 10 games (varsity) this season, we can reflect on some things that we've done well and some things that we need to improve on to prepare for districts. I want to focus on the positive however. In ten games, we have yet to play a single minute of any match with all 11 starters on the field. Whether it's injuries, disciplinary issues, or yellow card accumulation, we have always been down at least one and usually 2 starters. Despite this we have been successful in winning up to this point. Our young players have stepped up either as substitutes or starters, and sometimes into positions they've never played and held their ground. The experience they have gained we be vital in preparation for districts as well as seasons to follow. 

To put the current season into a little perspective, we have essentially the same core personnel as last season. At this point in 2008, having faced basically the same opponents, the Webb City Soccer team had a  record of 2-8. Through the whole grueling season, we maintained hope that each loss was a learning experience--to make us better for the future. Some attitudes on the team began to turn to defeat around this point in the season, these attitudes continued to poison the team until nearly all hope was lost. 

Out of the ashes of the 2008 season arose a new team! Destructive attitudes were done away with. The lessons learned had seasoned our young players into experienced veterans that because of their experience of defeat, could better appreciate victory. A new DESIRE for redemption has captivated this team and led us to prosper against all expectations. 

This change was not a result of a change in coaching or a change in support from the community. This change came as a result of a squad that decided that if they wanted something bad enough, they were going to have to work for it. 

As we enter the second half of this season, we must not become complacent. Nothing has changed! If we want success, we will have to work for it. If we rest now on our laurels and accept that we will be "good enough," then we may as well throw in the towel. 

Let us then rededicate ourselves to the commitment we all made to constantly improve. We owe this to ourselves, each other, and every person that has and will support this team. We move forward with this season with confidence that our efforts have not and will not be in vain. 

As I know that our opponents will be viewing this site seeing the words written here, I challenge them on behalf of this team to bring their best game. We'll be ready!

Coach S

Check out the new feature!

Thanks to Steve "Ole" Olson of SGFsoccer.com for sharing with us his photos. The link to the right of this page will take you to Steve's Flickr site where you can view, download, and purchase quality photos of our team. Coach Moser was instrumental in applying that feature to the page. Check it out. 

Willard Tournament Schedule

The Varsity Soccer squad will be traveling to Willard October 2 & 3 for Willard Soccer Fall Classic Tournament. Our first match will be Friday night at 7:00 pm vs Cassville. On Saturday, we will play at 10:00 and probably again at noon or 2:oo (depending on results). Bus times will be 4:30 pm on Friday and 8am on Saturday. Players should bring both red and white uniforms to the tournament. 

Team Pictures

We are going to have team pictures done this year by Billy Conroy (Casual Images). This is based on the recommendation of several parents and the outstanding action photos he took during the Christian County Tournament. Billy will be at practice on Sept. 30th to take team and individual photos. Check with your players over the next couple of days to see that they have their package information. The packages are very reasonably priced and include favorites such as trading cards, key chains, coffee mugs, etc... 

On the 30th, please send money with your player along with the packet indicating which package you want. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.

Coach S 

Willard tournament

To all parents of players that will be going to the Willard tournament October 2-3. The players will again be eating lunch at the tournament on Saturday and we will need to provide energy food for them. The Sanders and Fosters will again provide the sandwiches. Other items needed will be fruit, granola bars, cookies, snack cakes, chips, water, gatorade. Please answer to this blog or email Tonya Sanders thesanders@mchsi.com with what item(s) you will be providing for the tournament. Just a fyi, last tournament we had just enough of food but not enough water or gatorade, so if you didn't send anything last tournament, please help out this time.
Thanks a bunch!!! It really means a lot the the players when we can support them in every way we can.

Cards Take Two from Titans

The Cardinals dominated their interstate opponent tonight winning 8-0. The varsity squad played without two starters due to injury and yellow card accumulation, but managed to accomplish a solid victory nonetheless. Goals were scored by Jaime Tomay (2), PJ Armstrong (2), Eduardo Rojas, Kyle Handley, Alex Christian, and Ryan Busick. Assists went to Tomay (2), Handley, and Matthew Reynolds.  

The JV won 3-1. The first goal came off a header by Andrew Kolb off a nice cross into the box by Aaron Tappana. The second was from a turn around 30 yard shot from Jeremy Heuertz, and the third was scored when Tappana picked up a deflection. For freshmen Tappana and Kolb, these were their first goals in high school. Keep it up, gentlemen!

Coach S

JV Cards Make Good Showing at Tournament

The JV squad went 1-1 this weekend at the Carthage JV Tournament. Taking a 6-1 loss to Joplin on Friday night, the Cards bounced back to win 4-1 Saturday afternoon vs. Cassville. The 5 goals scored this weekend were by sophomores Carlos Reyes, Eduardo Rojas (2), and Jeremy Heuertz, and freshman Jimmy Campbell got the first goal of his high school career. Good Job Fellas. 

Night Starts Slow--Dynamic Duo is Established

The Cards took the field Thursday night against Logan-Rogersville a little flat - and a little eager for goals. It is clear that we may have underestimated the game of the Wildcats. Play was about equal in the first half with Log-Rog scoring first in the 37th minute. Some halftime adjustments were made, including the entrance of Jaime Tomay in his first game since becoming fully eligible.

Tomay and PJ Armstrong hooked up on three of the four goals of the night. The first came off a free kick by Tomay, which PJ headed in to get the Cards on the board early in the half. Tomay would assist on PJ's second goal as well. Then, in the 76th minute, PJ returned the favor feeding a ball to Jaime that found the back of the net. The final goal came seconds later as Carlos Reyes picked up a deflection off the post and finished. Final score, 4-1 Webb City. Total shots on goal were 22 for Webb and 5 for Log-Rog.

The JV squad picked up their first win tonight as well, winning 2-1 off a pair of goals by Eduardo "Lalo" Rojas.  They now prepare for the JV Tournament at Carthage this weekend.

Prayers go out to Cody Hawks, who was taken to the hospital by ambulance following the game. Get well Cody.

Cards Give Carthage a Great Game!

The Cardinals varsity squad came out Tuesday night against Carthage with something to prove. After being beaten last year 10-0 in about 50 minutes of play, we were considered heavy underdogs in this match. The Cards took the field with a level of desire not seen this season. 

In the first half, this match was even. As far as possession goes, it could be argued that Webb had control of the half. The score at halftime did not reflect this as Carthage was up 1-0. During halftime, we saw a confidence in our players that we have not seen against this opponent in several years. We were in the game!

We took the field in the second half with the same fire that we had seen in the first. We had some brilliant attacks on goal that just couldn't finish. Our defense continue to hold for most of the half by forcing the ball outside and making Carthage cross the ball in. Thomas Foster also made some amazing saves! In the 69th minute, Matt Robinson made an impressive run through our back line and found the back of the net. Minutes later, he would score again off a very nice through ball from Joe Curti. The Last goal came in stoppage time off a PK by Joe Curti. Final Score 4-0 Carthage. 

The Cardinals left the field with heads held high because we played 69 minutes of solid soccer with one of the best teams in the region. While a win would have been great, the fact that we fought to the very end was worth it. We gave up a couple of bad goals, but we made Carthage earn their win this year. 

We continue our 4-3 season with confidence that if we play at this level all season, we will be a tough team to beat. We focus now on Logan-Rogersville for Thursday night. 

To see what Carthage's coach said of the game, go to: www.carthagetigersoccer.com. 

Carthage JV Tournament Schedule--Revised

I am replacing the previous post with the JV tourney schedule with this more current one. A new team was added to the tournament and so they had to shuffle the games around. We will play Friday night vs Joplin at 6:30 (sorry football fans). The bus will leave from the high school at 5:00. We will have practice for the Varsity players until 5 on Friday. 

On Saturday, we play Cassville at 1:30. The bus will leave the school at noon. 

The championship game will be at 3:30.

Ozark/Nixa Tournament

If you had a player in the tournament this past weekend, Billy Conroy has got the pictures he took on his website, if you had given your email address the night of the parents meeting at the beginning of the season, you should be getting or have already gotten an email from Billy informing you the pics are ready to view....here is the website address if you didnt get an email from him.....it is http://www.millersevents.com/?event=20119K91109. I checked it out tonight and he has posted some really cool pictures, so dont be afraid to buy(lots)

Webb Takes 4th at Christian County

The  Webb City Cardinals took fourth place at the Christian County Soccer Tournament Saturday. This is a huge improvement from taking 8th last year. After a 3-2 win over Neosho Friday night, the Cards found themselves with good seeding for the rest of the tournament. PJ Armstrong scored two of the goals and Carlos Reyes got the game winner with about 4 minutes remaining in the game to finish Neosho.

Saturday brought some tough challenges as Webb City would face off against two of the best teams in the Central Ozarks Conference in Ozark and Nixa. In the Ozark game, we started strong and held off the Ozark attack for the first 25 minutes while making some strong passes and getting some shots off. Ozark was up at the half 1-0. During the second half, the fatigue of playing so many close matches this week began to show. We gave up a goal 5 minutes in off corner kick headed into the goal. Then, Ozark earned a penalty kick and pretty much sealed the deal. Thoughts went to saving legs for the upcoming game for third place. Ozark prevailed 5-0.

In the third place match, we faced off against powerhouse Nixa with almost identical results. Down 2-0 at the half, the Cards came out fighting with some success in the second half, but couldn’t get the ball to the net. The players played hard to the end, but took a 5-0 loss in that one as well.

We left the field with our heads held high that we had given a good and honest effort. The young players that were brought up made significant contributions and gained valuable playing experience against some of the toughest competition in the area. The Cards go to 4-2 as we prepare for Tuesday night’s match with Carthage.  

Webb Knocks off Carl 2-1

In another nail-biter, the Cards took on our neighbors and district rivals, Carl Junction Thursday night. Despite multiple injuries, the Cards played their hearts out all game. As we expected, it was a very physical and emotional match. It always is when these two teams get together. the team that possessed the ball prevailed. 

The game started off back and forth with some good attacks from both sides. Carlos Reyes opened up scoring for Webb with a nice shot to the far post that found net. CJ answered back with a shot from distance that snuck past keeper Thomas Foster. With the game tied, the Cards held their ground kept it together and were able to get a goal just before halftime as Jeremy Heuertz found a deflection off a Cody Hawks free kick and finished the job. The second half saw emotions rise as both teams were trying hard to attack with little success.

The Cardinals focused their second half on possessing the ball and preserving the lead, and managed to get some great attacks as a result of settling down and playing fundamental soccer. Defense held strong and with the help of seven saves by Foster, the Cards held on for the win. Great Job!

Coach S

Nixa-Ozark Tournament Information

Parents,

I want to offer my apologies for not getting this information out via the blog. The players have been told all week in practice. Given the emails and phone calls I've been getting, it is clear that the information is not making it home in complete form. So here's the breakdown:

The bus leaves for Ozark at 2:45. The game will begin at 5:00 at Ozark High School versus Neosho. Depending on the outcome of that game our bus time Saturday morning has two possibilities. If we lose Friday night, the bus will leave at 6:30 Saturday morning for a 9:00 game. If we win, the bus will leave at 8:30 Saturday morning for a 10:45 game.

The directions to Ozark High School are as follows:

– I-44 toward Springfield and take the James River FWY exit (69). Take route 60 east and merge onto US-65 toward Branson. Take a left on the MO-J/MO-CC exit toward Fremont Hills. Follow MO-J to MO-NN and take a right. Go 2.5 miles to Bluff Dr. and take a right. The games will be played in the stadium.

I hope this answers most of the questions about the tournament. I would also add that the players that are suiting up were told at practice on Wednesday, but all players are welcome to come along on the bus to cheer us on. 

Once again, apologies for the late notice---it won't happen again.

Coach Schachtner

 

Nixa/Ozark Tournament UPDATE

To all varsity parents and JV parents whose player is going to the tournament: We have enough parents signed up for the food so thankyou all for stepping up and helping out. Send the food with your player saturday morning. We will have containers ready to place the food in.

Still in need: we need bottled water and or sports drinks for the team to drink while eating. They may have to eat on the bus inbetween games and it is much easier if their drinks are in bottles. Please comment to this blog of what you will send or email Tonya Sanders at thesanders@mchsi.com

Thanks everyone

Good luck boys!!!

What a Night!

The Cards pulled off a dramatic 3-2 victory in 2 overtimes to defeat the Willard Tigers. The night started off great. The Cards played great possession soccer to start the game before PJ Armstrong opened up scoring in the first half on an assist by Alex Christian. The rest of the half went back and forth leading to a 1-0 lead at halftime. 

We came out strong in the second half and very quickly tallied another pretty goal by Jace Cooke assisted by Carlos Reyes. The legs began to get tired and minor injuries were causing some mental breakdowns allowing the Tigers to tie up the match before the end of regulation. As we began the first period of overtime, a storm was looming. About five minutes in, lightning began to appear in the distance... we continued the fight. Just before the second OT, the coaches, referees, and administrator deliberated and decided that conditions were unsafe leading to a half-hour delay. When the lightning detector indicated it was safe to play again, the Cards and Tigers took the field for the final showdown. The winning goal came off a free kick by Ryan Busick that PJ found floating around in the box when he decided to introduce the ball to the back of the net in a climactic end to one of the most exciting games we've seen. 

It was a great team effort. Big props for the defense, which despite the loss of Sanders in OT went on to hold off the vicious Tiger attack. Great Job!

Futbol Shirts are In!

The Webb City Futbol shirts are in. If you placed an order with us at the parents meeting and your shirt(s) is paid for, you should receive it after Friday's practice. If you have not paid, please send $12 per shirt with your player to practice. If you missed out and still want to purchase one, we ordered some extra. Just send $12 with your player and specify the size and we will make sure you get one. 

Labor Day Practice

The soccer team will hold a practice on Monday Sept. 9 at 8:00 AM. This practice is optional, however, it is strongly encouraged that the players that are in town on Monday attend. We will let out around 9:30 or 10:00. 

Nixa/Ozark Tournament Needs

The soccer team will need a lunch provided for the tournament Saturday, September 12. Karrie Foster and Tonya Sanders will be providing the sandwiches. Here is a list of items that would be great to add to the lunch.

Fruit: ex. apple slices(if you put them in 7-UP they will not turn brown) or grapes or bananas
chips: either pre-bought individual bags or chips put into sandwich bags
granola bars or breakfast bars
snack cakes or cookies (individually wrapped or packaged)
bottled water
bottled gatorade (no pop please)

Last year the kids had to eat their lunch while on the bus from one field to the next which is why we are requesting everything be individually packaged to make it easier for them.

We need enough of each item for approx 25 people to feed the team, team managers, and coaches. Please post in the comments section under this blog what you will provide or email Tonya Sanders at thesanders@mchsi.com. Please respond by Tuesday.

We want our team to be able to have maximum energy during this tournament so it is up to us to provide these items so please help. Send items with your player Saturday.

Cards Off to a Great Start

The Cardinals soccer squad took the field for their first match Tuesday night vs College Heights Christian School. Despite some off the field hardships that affected numbers, the varsity squad rose to the challenge (with the help of a few JV players). The first half saw 3 goals scored. The first, a 40 yard bloop by PJ Armstrong, dropped in just over the keeper's head. He was assisted on that goal by Alex Christian. Eduardo "Lalo" Rojas accounted for the next two goals by playing tough inside the box and finishing the job. 

The second half was opened with a beautiful header by Ryan Busick off a corner kick by PJ Armstrong. Later, Kyle Handley put in an unassisted goal to finish off with a 5-0 victory for the Cards. Our defense held strong and put up a clean sheet. Our young players stepped up and played their positions effectively. 

Great Job guys! Next challenge - Willard. Keep the desire gentlemen!