This weekend was the annual Incredible Pizza Fall Classic tournament, held here in Springfield. Missouri Elite had four teams participating, 2000’s, 97’s, 96’s, and 93’s. All four teams had very good showings this weekend with three second place finishes and a top four finish. We want to thank all parents and players for their hard work this weekend and we look forward to continued success throughout the rest of the season.
Elite 2000’s
For many of the U12’s, the Fall Classic started in the 5am hour Saturday morning. Their first game was at 8am vs. a squad from the distinguished NWAL club from Arkansas. After some great defensive plays from NWAL, Missouri Elite got their first goal from Maddie McLain off of a corner kick in the first half. Moments later, Lily Ragsdale scored a beautiful lower 90 off of a corner played in from McLain and Brinn Cooper finished off the 3-1 win with her own lower 90 finesse.
Their second game was against a former KC tournament opponent, KC Select. It was another 3-1 win for the Elite 2000’s with Brinn Cooper getting the Hat Trick and Carli Prosser getting points for an assist. Crozbi Gannon gave another stellar performance in the net, with the only goal coming off of a “Hand of God” in the box missed by the referee. This win guaranteed the 2000’s a spot in the finals on Sunday afternoon against a tough BSC Hurricanes team.
Sunday Morning, Elite had its first and only crossover game against the always talented SLSG club. The win streak continued with a score of 2-1 for the Elite girls. Lyndsey Hood provided the first goal off of a scramble in the box with Carli Prosser and Maddie McLain getting points for the assist. The final Elite goal was scored by Sydney Hazelrigg, who hit a rocket that bounced back off the post and off the keeper, who much to her dismay, found Hazelrigg waiting to finish her attempt. Syd sunk her follow-up shot into the back of the net. McKenzie Duncan and Crozbi Gannon both played fantastic games in goal, while the defensive trio of McClain, Hannah Carr, and Morgan Gunther, continued to prove why they are three of the best defensive U12 backs in the state.
The U12 Girls Final was set between Mo Elite 2000’s and BSC Hurricanes. This was one of the most physical games I’ve witnessed at this level, with both teams getting to feel the turf early and often. BSC struck first off a foul outside the box. After the first attempt, a scramble occurred in the box and BSC was able to finish their second attempt and take the lead into the half, 1-0. The second half saw both teams come out strong and quick. BSC was again able to capitalize on a scramble in the box and make their lead 2-0. Missouri Elite grabbed the ball out of the next and sprinted to the half line with a renewed sense of urgency and fight. Soon after McKenzie Duncan showed just how bad this team wanted it, by finishing the cross from Brinn Cooper with her whole body, ending up in the back of the net. There was no way she was letting that ball get by her. Unfortunately, that would be the only goal for Mo Elite, as BSC added more pressure in their defensive third and shut down the remaining attacks that the 2000’s were able to put together. The final whistle blew with a score of BSC 2 Mo Elite 1.
You all continue to make your coaches and your parents proud! Congrats to the girls on a well played weekend and on a second place finish!
Elite 97’s
The Missouri Elite 97’s started Saturday morning with a 1-0 win over SW United (Red) in the U16 Silver Bracket. McKenna Cotter recorded her first goal of the tournament. It was a tough battle defensively but Sierra Feckovic recorded a 0.0 GAA and her first shut out of the tournament.
The second game was against a tough Pink Panthers squad. This game could have gone either way, but the panthers were able to pull it out over Elite with a 3-2 win. Elite goals were scored by Cotter and by Leslie Maness. Missouri Elite was now 1-1 in their bracket, which put them into the wildcard “play-in” game at 8am on Sunday morning.
Elite needed a win to send them on to the semi-finals. However, they were not the only ones. SW United(White) also needed to win in order to secure their spot in the Semis. Both teams came out hard to start the game. But it would be Missouri Elite who would outlast and pick up the 1-0 win to send them into the next round as the lone Wildcard. Liz Brock got her first goal of the tournament and Sierra picked up her second shutout of the weekend.
Elite 97 was matched up against SSC 96/97 in the Semi-final. Both teams came out ready to win, battling for every ball, and not being afraid to test their skills against their opponent. However, it would be SSC who would get on the board first, and that would be enough to put them through to the finals.
The Final Score: SSC 96/97 4 Mo Elite 97 0
Well done girls! Congrats on making it to the Final Four!
Elite 96’s
The Elite 96’s opened their Classic campaign early Saturday morning against a tough Oklahoma team, OFC. Elite was able to control the game from the opening minutes, but not without some very aggressive counters from OFC. Alli Lacker scored the game winner from inside the 18 yard box, following a scramble which brought the OFC GK out from her line. Alli’s goal would be all Elite needed to start the tournament off with a 1-0 win.
Elite’s second match of the day was against their in town rival, SSC. The Elite 96’s got the best of this match up in the final of this tournament last year, beating SCC by a goal and taking home the Gold. From the early minutes you could tell SSC was determined not to let history repeat itself, as SSC took the lead just a few minutes into the game. Elite continued to battle hard, creating many offensive opportunities, but unfortunately, SSC’s defense would not be broken that day. Leaving the final in the favor of their opponents and setting the 96’s at 1-1 for the day.
Sunday morning found the 96’s playing in Chicago, or at least it felt like Chicago (Springfield wasthe new windy city). Both Elite and their opponent Carrera had trouble adjusting to the seemingly endless wind. Paige Townsend got the first goal after a beautiful breakaway and a perfectly slotted ball from Lacker. However, It wouldn’t be long before Carrera turned the wind from enemy to friend as a nice gust helped a high ball float into the back of the Elite net. With the game tied at 1’s, it was up to Elite midfielder Kelly Devlin to push Elite into second place. With one hard cross at an unprepared defensive set, Devlin was able secure elite its second victory of the tournament.
The final game of the day put Elite up against another tough KC Select squad. The wind continued to dominate the flow of the game, making each move and pass more difficult. Elite withstood the wind and found their rhythm in possession. They continued to control the game and create attacks at the KC Select goal, but goals just would not fall for Elite. The score ended in a 0-0, which was enough to secure a second place finish in the U16 Gold bracket. The Elite 96’s finished their weekend 2-1-1 with a new set of medals to add to their wall.
Another well played weekend ladies! Congrats on your silver medals!
Elite 93’s
The U19’s were entering their first tournament since facing a former National Champion, Shattuck St. Mary’s, in the Challenger tournament in KC a few weekends ago. Their first opponent was the fierce and skilled KC Select squad. After well battled first half, KC Select was able to net their first goal about 15 minutes into the second half. That would be all they needed to propel them to their first of four wins in the tournament.
The second game was played under the lights vs. an athletic Lady Hawks team. Dani Coffman, normally a standout outside mid and forward for Elite, stepped into the net for 80 minutes of intense soccer. Missouri Elite stuck first with a fantastic near post goal by Lindsay Owens. Unfortunately, the Lady Hawks were not done, and scored early into the second half to tie the game 1-1. Mo Elite fought hard for the remainder of the second half to try and secure their spot in the final, but it would not be secured on Saturday, as the Lady Hawks defense held and the score ended 1-1.
Sunday morning, the final spot in the U19 final was still up in the air. Mo Elite needed a win vs its in town rival, Springfield Soccer Club. The last time the two teams met, it ended in a 1-1 draw. Elite came out very strong, showing they were determined to get to the final and get another shot at KC Select. Goals from Brittney Baker and Tawny Stowell were able to sink SSC into its defensive shell and secure Elite a rematch with KC Select in the final. The morning game ended with a final score of Mo Elite 2 and SSC 0
The U19 Final was set with Kansas City powerhouse KC Select matched against local powerhouse, Missouri Elite for the second time in two days. KC Select was determined to stay on top, but the Elite 93’s promised that they were going to have something to say about that. The game proved to be a much bigger battle than KC Select was expecting with both teams getting opportunities early. However, KC select was able to capitalize on one of their opportunities, putting them up 1-0. You could tell Missouri Elite wanted it, but it just wasn’t meant to be on a sunny day on Cooper 3. That goal would be enough to secure first place for KC Select with Missouri Elite getting the Silver. Final Score: KC Select 2, Mo Elite 0
Great job Elite 93’s!
This was a great turnout for all Missouri Elite squads. Congrats to all of the girls on their weekend success.