WILDCATS DROP O'HARA 2-0

The Cats rack up their second shutout win in as many games. The Celtics came fresh off a 3-2 OT win against Warrensburg but failed to convert the few chances they got against an improving Wildcat defensive unit. Anna Holden got the first goal seven minutes into the game as we dominated possession for the first 20 minutes. We moved the ball better tonight out of defense and through the midfield but had long periods towards the end of the first half where our touches and passing seemed flat. The Cats came back from the half time break rejuvinated and more focused. Shalyn Wheeler got a header goal and Kaley Harkrader got assist from a free kick in the second half. A sound win against a quality side.

No pictures tonight. Hopefully the weather will be nicer next week so I can break out the camera again.

The girls play Holden tomorrow on the road. GO CATS!

In District 11 news: The Republic Tigers record their first ever Soccer Win tonight. The team is now 1-2 with this 6-3 win vs the Mountain View Liberty. Check out the full story, audio and video here.

CATS DOWN WARRENSBURG 2-0

The Cats blanked the Tigers 2-0 earning their first shutout of the season. While moving the ball well and commanding a huge majority of the possession, the Cats failed to convert on countless opportunities on the net. The Tigers held their defensive line up the field, hoping to trap us offsides but this only allowed the Wildcats to rain balls over the top and run onto them, capitalizing on our midfielders and forwards speed and size. It took some aggressive play way off her line for the Tigers keeper to snuff out many of these opportunities but she was caught one on one twice to many times. Anna Holden scored both goals with one assist from Tina Harold.

Pictures are downloading now.


Check out this article for the Tiger take on the game.

In other District 12 soccer news, Bolivar fall 2-1 to the Ozark Tigers.

And then falls to Marshfield the following day.


Update: And now O'Hara tops Warrensburg 3-2. The Cats game tomorrow vs O'Hara should be a good close match to watch. GO CATS!

The Wildcats were to face another District 12 opponent tomorrow with the Clinton Cardinals but that game has been cancelled due to incliment weather and will be rescheduled.

WARRENSBURG AT HOME TONIGHT

The Cats take on District foe Warrensburg Tigers tonight at home. 5:00 PM. See you there. Go Cats!

CATS TAKE SECOND AT PLATTE COUNTY TOURNAMENT (AGAIN)

The Cats fell 0-3 to the Platte County Pirates last night after earning their fourth straight trip to the championship game in as many years. The Pirates returned 9 starting seniors from their state semi-final team last year and showed that they are starting from a strong foundation for a run deep into the championship again this year.

CATS DOWN STALEY 3-2 AT THE PLATTE COUNTY INVITATIONAL

The Wildcats tried out some fresh talent on the field tonight as they faced a perenial power house in the Staley Falcons. The Cats are still working the bugs out with some players in new positions and it looks like things are coming together as they were able to put three goals on the board in the first half. I didn't see the first two goals but Anna Holden scored the final two. Not to be held down, the Falcons scored one early and then followed with another just seconds before the end of the first half. Second half play was fairly even with both teams moving the ball. I'd say Staley had the momentum coming into the half. With the score close at 3-2 the Cats seemed to gel on defense during the last 20 minutes of the second half and were able to press the attack as well. This was a tough win for the Cats and everything I'd expected from the Falcons. A very good matchup.

This is a game I've been looking forward to for a couple years. Always strong, the Falcon's are a Class 2 program that have showed much promise and have hovered around the top 10 in polling through out the season last year. While we haven't faced them in our regular season schedule in the past four years, they have had strong showings in the Platte County Invitational and District Championships in the past. They just always seem to end up in the other bracket. The Cats bested Savannah 5-1 in the first round Tuesday to earn their meeting with Staley tonight.

Staley lost to Platte County in the Semifinals of the tourney last year but went on to beat them twice during their regular season. They finished their season last year by besting Smithville 2-0 in the District semifinals before falling to Platte County 4-0in the District 8 finals. Platte County went on to fall to Visitation Academy in the State Championship Semi-finals 1-0.

Harrisonville will face Platte County or MICDS (pending tonights winner)tomorrow night at 8:00 PM in their third trip to the tournament finals in as many years. GO CATS!

CLASS 2 DISTRICT 11 and 12 BRING IN TWO NEW PROGRAMS

Pleasant Hill and Republic will bring two fledgling soccer programs to District 11 and 12 competition this year. While soccer may be new to the school, many players have years of competitive soccer experience and the coaching, likewise will be top notch. Check out this story and video interview with Mike Hines, Republic's new coach from Ole's Springfield Soccer website last year.

Pleasant Hill acquired Al Iantorno, a recent premier soccer coach with the KC Select Soccer Club. His soccer credentials include a USSF National “B” License and NSCAA Advance National Diploma, Head Women’s Soccer Coach at the University of Missouri-Rolla (August 2004-March 2005), Head Women’s Soccer Coach at the University of Central Missouri (1995-2003)
Head Women’s Soccer Coach at Ferrum College (1989-1991), Collegiate and amateur playing experience.

These teams will be well coached and tough right out of the gate.

Update: Republic loses first home opener but not by much.

TEAM PICTURES ARE IN THE WORKS

Tela Beth Photography has posted some prelims of the team on her facebook page. She does fantastic work! Check her web page for more contact info.

GREAT WRITE UP ON THE 2011 WARRENBURG TEAM

There is a great write up on the 2011 Warrensburg Tigers on their team web site. The Tigers may have a younger team than last year but are always tough. Even with the new District realignment, District 12 will be a tough group from which to advance. Champions are made one practice and one game at a time. Work hard ladies. GO CATS!

KC TEAMS LOOK TO MEET HIGH EXPECTATIONS

Two KC teams have started the season high on ESPN's Powerade Fab 50 National High School Rankings. Liberty takes the #1 spot while Lee's Summit North holds the #12 spot. We've faced many of these players and coaches over the years through premiere league play. Lee's Summit's coach, Tim Richardson, was a frequent opponent with his dreaded Pink Panthers. Check out the full list here.
It is great to see the Western Missouri teams doing so well at a state and national level.

2011 SEASON SCHEDULE IS UP

3/22 - 3/25 Platte County Invit. V Away TBA
Mon. 3/28 Warrensburg JV/V Home 5:00 PM
Tue. 3/29 Clinton JV/V Away 4:30 PM
Thu. 3/31 O'Hara JV/V Home 5:00 PM
Fri. 4/1 Holden V Away 5:00 PM
Mon. 4/4 Marshall JV/V Away 5:00 PM
Tue. 4/5 Oak Grove JV/V Away 5:00 PM
Thu. 4/7 Notre Dame de Sion JV/V Away 4:00 PM
Mon. 4/11 Excelsior Springs JV/V Away 5:00 PM
Tue. 4/12 Pleasant Hill JV/V Home 5:00 PM
Fri. - Sat. 4/15 - 4/16 Smithville Invit. V Away TBA
Tue. 4/19 Grain Valley JV/V Away 5:00 PM
Tue. 4/26 Oak Grove JV/V Home 5:00 PM
Thu. 4/28 Pembroke Hill JV/V Away 5:00 PM
Fri. 4/29 Kearney JV/V Home 5:00 PM
Tue. 5/3 Excelsior Springs JV/V Home 5:00 PM
Thu. 5/5 Holden V Home 5:00 PM
Mon. 5/9 Pleasant Hill JV/V Away 5:00 PM
Tue. 5/10 Grain Valley JV/V Home 5:00 PM
5/14 - 5/18 Districts V Harrisonville TBA
Tue. 5/24 Sectionals V TBA TBA
Fri. 5/27 Quarterfinals V TBA TBA
6/3 - 6/4 State Championships V A-B Center TBA