Just wanted to note there are a few new pics uploaded to Flickr.  Enjoy!

 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.

While in South Bend, Indianna participating in the Regional President’s Cup tournament in June, the Missouri Elite U15 girls took a tour of the Notre Dame facilities.  The Notre Dame Women’s Soccer team are the current National Champions, defeating Standford 1-0 last fall to claim their third national title.

Are you looking to increase your competitive edge? Do you have aspirations to play college soccer? Are you interested in a girls focused environment that fosters individual development while building leadership and teamwork? Then, come check us out!

Missouri Elite F.C. tryouts for the 2011-2012 season will be held at the Lake Country Soccer fields located on East Pythian.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011 – LCS Cooper Field #3
U15-U19 girls
Registration:  6:45pm
Tryouts: 7:00 – 8:30pm

Thursday, June 16, 2011 – LCS Cooper Field #1 (turf)
U8 – U14 girls
Registration:  6:45pm
Tryouts:  7:00 – 8:30pm

Saturday, June 18, 2011 – LCS Cooper Field #1 (turf)
U8 – U14 girls
Registration:  9:15am
Tryouts:  9:30 – 11:00am

Tuesday, June 21, 2011 – LCS North Field 15
U15-U19 girls
Registration:  6:45pm
Tryouts:  7:00-8:30pm

Missouri Elite FC is a “girls-only” soccer club based in Springfield since 2003. The club was created to develop a competitive environment for female athletes. Youth teams focus on skill development and fostering a true passion for the sport while older teams continue to advance their knowledge and abilities in preparation to take their game to the next level. The key club goals are to meet the needs of female players and to open doors to college scholarships/opportunities. To that end, we have produced over 25 athletes going on to play in college and many others that had offers they chose not to accept. Whatever your soccer background/playing experience, we are here to help you achieve your goals.

For more information:
Call 417-894-9097 or email moelitefc@gmail.com

McKenzi Payton, daughter of Forrest and Tracy Fay, will attend college and play soccer for Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri. The MSU Lady Bears are an NCAA Division I program and compete in the Missouri Valley Conference. McKenzie is a center back for Missouri Elite. She attends Parkview High School.  McKenzi was second team All-Conference and honorable mention All-District as a freshman.  She was honorable mention All-Conference and second team All-District as a sophomore.  She was first team All-District and second team All-Conference as a junior.  In addition to being a four year varsity letterman in soccer, she played varsity volleyball her senior year at Parkview. 

Jayme Braun, daughter of David and Karen Braun, will attend college and play soccer for Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri. The SBU Bearcats are an NCAA Division II program and compete in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association. Jayme is a left back for Missouri Elite. She attends Ozark High School.  Jayme was second team All-District as a freshman.  She was first team All-District, first team All-Conference, and second team All-Region as a sophomore.  She was recognized as a member of the first team All-District, All-Conference and All-Region squads as a junior.  

Kristin Miller, daughter of Mark and Becky Miller, will attend college and play soccer for Missouri Valley College in Marshall, MO.  The Mo Valley Vikings are an NAIA program and compete in the Heart of America Athletic Conference.  Kristin Miller is an all-state goal keeper who attends Nixa High School.  As a sophomore, Kristin was second team All-Conference and second team All-District.  As a junior, she was recognized as an honorable mention All-State goalkeeper in Class 3, as well as the Southwest Region and All-District Defensive Player of the Year. As a junior Kristin was first team Southwest Region, first team All-District, and second team All-Conference.  

Courtney Devlin, daughter of Paul and Missy Devlin, will also attend college and play soccer as a Viking for Missouri Valley College.  Courtney is a midfielder for Missouri Elite and is a member of the reigning Class 1 state championship team from Springfield Catholic High School, which finished third in state during Courtney’s sophomore year.   Courtney was an All-District, All-Conference, and All-State cross country runner her junior and senior year. She was recognized as the Southwest Missouri Runner of the Year her junior year and was a member of the 2010 State Champion team. 

Kelsey “KB” Bartell, daughter of Chris and Christine Bartell, will attend college and play soccer for Faulkner University in Montgomery, Alabama.  The Faulkner Eagles are an NAIA program and compete in the Southern States Athletic Conference.  Kelsey is a forward for Missouri Elite and is a member of the reigning Class 3 southwest regional championship soccer team from Nixa High School.  Kelsey received honorable mention All-District as a freshman.  She was second team All-District and All-Conference her sophomore year.  She was honorable mention All-District her junior year.  

Stevie Heidzig, daughter of Steve and Brenda Heidzig, will attend college and play soccer for Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas.  The Southwestern College Moundbuilders are an NAIA program and compete in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference.  Stevie is a center back for Missouri Elite.  She attends Logan-Rogersville High School.  Stevie was second team All-District and All-Conference as a sophomore.  She was second team All-Conference as a junior.  As a freshman in Arizona where she participated in the high school boys’ league, Stevie received All-District honorable mention recognition.  As a freshman in Arizona, Stevie also qualified for state track in four events (100m, 200m, 400m & the 4x100m). 

Anne Pierce, daughter of Joe and Pat Pierce, will attend college and play soccer for Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, in Terre Haute, Indiana.  The Fightin’ Engineers coached by Amy Helliwell are an NCAA Division 3 program and compete in the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference.  Anne is a defender for Missouri Elite and is a member of the reigning Class 3 southwest regional championship soccer team from Nixa High School. 

Courtney Frerichs, daughter of Scott and Kathy Frerichs, will attend college and run cross country for the University of Missouri – Kansas City.  The UMKC Kangaroos are an NCAA Division I program and compete in The Summit League.  Courtney is a forward and outside midfielder for Missouri Elite.  She ran cross country this past fall chalking up many top finishes and plays on the reigning Class 3 southwest regional championship soccer team from Nixa High School with Kristin Miller and Kelsey Bartell.  Courtney also was a member of the track team and is a competitive gymnast (level 9).  

Missouri Elite would like to also recognize our additional seniors graduating this year that have chosen to pursue academic paths in college. Mollie Killion (Ozark), daughter of Kurt and Roseanne Killion, will be attending Truman University; Olivia Solari (Parkview), daughter of Anthony and Becky Solari, will be attending UMKC; Allie Thomas (Poplar Bluff), daughter of Jim and Margie Thomas, will be attending Missouri State University; Anna Withers (Parkview), daughter of John Withers and Caroline Netzer, will be attending North Park University in Chicago;  Andrea Wynn (Parkview), daughter of Jay and Mary Wynn, will be attending the University of Kentucky; Jennifer McArthur (Marshfield), daughter of Bryan McArthur and Cynthia Reese,  will be attending Missouri State University; and Kelsey Loderhose, daughter of Chris and Michelle Loderhose has not finalized her decision as to where she will attend.

The Missouri Elite FC 2000 girls brought home the title again this weekend winning four straight games and conceding no goals in the process in the U11 girls division of the 2011 Ozarks Coca-Cola Dr Pepper Cup at Lake Country Soccer in Springfield, MO.

The tournment started for the girls on Friday night against a very strong Ajax Elite FC -Limpert team from St. Louis.  The game winning goal was scored by Missouri Elite defender Hanah Carr on a long-range shot take from the defensive half that bounced over the keeper and into the back of the net. A second goal was provided by midfield Brinnae Cooper. Final score 2-0 in favor of Missouri Elite FC.

Missouri Elite scored four goals on Saturday in a 4-0 victory over Sedalia Select Juniors which basically secured their spot in the final on Sunday.  Forward Julia Snyder started the scoring for Elite, followed by a brace for Brin Cooper and the scoring was finished with a penalty kick by Lily Ragsdale.

In Sunday mornings final pool play game, the Elite 2000 girls outscored Toni Glavin Lions – Hibernian by a score of 3-0.  Forward Julia Snyder again provided the game winner.  Brinnae Cooper and Everett Kirkman provided the additional goals.

Brinnae Cooper scored the game winner in the final (her fifth goal of the tournament), McKenzie Duncan scored two goals, and Julia Snyder got the final goal (her third of the tournament) as the girls cruised to a 4-0 victory over the tough KC Legends Crushers.  Missouri Elite goalkeeper, Emillia Bratanov was credited with a fourth shutout in four games and the Elite 2000 teams outscored their opponents 13 goals to none in the tournament.

Congratulations ladies on another successful weekend!  I know everyone is looking forward to seeing the blue tiger warmups on display next weekend in Arkansas!!!

The Missouri Elite FC 2000 girls team opened the spring 2011 outdoor season by winning the U11 girls division of the Champions Challenge Tournament at Lake Country Soccer in Springfield on March 12th and 13th.

The Elite girls started off the weekend with a 2-0 win over St Louis Scott Gallagher Illinois Green on Saturday.  Brinnae Cooper and Meredith Sheffield provided the goals in game #1.  In the late game on Saturday, Missouri Elite posted a solid 3-0 win over NW Arkansas Lightening Strikers Black and basically guaranteed their spot in the final with the win.  Goals in game #2 were scored by Brinnae Cooper (2) and Meredith Sheffield.

In the early game on Sunday, the Elite girls faced the very strong Norco Pavlacic team from St. Louis.  Norco had won both of their games on Saturday defeating the Maumelle Dragonfiles 3-2 in their first match and defeating Springfield Soccer Club 7-0 in their second game.  In a hard fought match that saw opportunites for both teams, it was Norco who was able to capitalize and they defeated Missouri Elite by a final score of 2-0 to secure their spot in the final for a rematch between the two teams.

The Missouri Elite FC 2000 girls stepped out on the field with intensity for the championship match and never let down.  The Elite defensive line of Hannah Carr, Maddie McLain, Morgan Gunther and Crozbi Gannon was strong and proved to be almost inpenetrable.  Elite goalkeeper Emillia Bratanov earned her third shutout of the tournament and created numerous scoring opportunities for the Elite offense with her huge punts out of the back.  Newcomer McKenzie Duncan scored the game winning goal, and her first ever goal in Elite blue, when she chested a cross over the goal line to give Elite the lead in the first half.  Forward Julia Snider blasted the ball into the back of the net late in the first half to secure a two goal lead for Missouri Elite over Norco going into the halftime break.  Both teams continued to push forward in the second half, but the defensive efforts were rock solid and shutdown all scoring opportunities.  The score remained 2-0 at the final whistle and Missouri Elite had avenged their morning loss to Norco and earned the tournament championship hardware for their resolve and effort.

Congratulations ladies on a well played tournament and a great start to the 2011 spring season!!!

Lindsay, Mike and the Elite staff

The Elite 97 girls went undefeated in Tulsa this past weekend capturing their first tournament title. A big congrats to all the girls on their hard work!

Incredible Pizza Fall Classic - U15 Champions

The Elite 96 girls opened play on Saturday defeating WSA Alliance and the Pink Panthers.  The Elite 96 team clinched a spot in the final with an important 1-0 victory over Springfield Soccer Club 96/96 I on Sunday morning.  The Elite girls went on to capture the U15 girls championship with a 1-0 victory over Claremore Freedom.  Congratulations ladies on a great tournament!