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!