Southwest MO Soccer All Stars

Come join us this evening for the 4th Annual Southwest Soccer All-Stars game folks.

The Girls game is at 6:00 pm.
The Boys game is at 8:00 pm.

Cooper Field #1 at Lake Country Soccer on Pythian Street in Springfield. Players need to register at the field 1.5 hours in advance of the game. Remember to bring your cleats, shin guards, white socks, black shorts, a water bottle and be prepared for the warm evening.

The games will be played regardless of weather (flooding and lightning would stop us but rain won’t). So we hope to see you there!

The Coaches for this evenings games include:
Girls Red: Jeff Rogers, Glendale Falcons and Evan Palmer, Nixa Eagles. The Falcons returned to the Quarterfinals this year for the first time since 2004. Evans working on replacing the Eagle’s top 2 career goal scorers on the girls team.
Girls Gold: Tom Davidson, Ozark Tigers and Ben Timson, Catholic Fightin’ Irish. The Tigers won their 1st ever large school District title this year while getting Tom his 500th win as a coach. The Irish made it to the Class 1 Quarterfinals yet again.

Boys Red: Eric Crain, New Covenant Academy and Mike Gow, Lebanon Yellowjackets. The Warriors earned their first District title in Fall 2007. Gow wraps up 12 years with the Yellowjackets this past Spring and heads for the sideline with the Waynesville Tigers in the Fall.
Boys Gold: Phil Hodge, Kickapoo Chiefs and Mike Howard, Rolla Bulldogs. The Chiefs were the #1 Public School boys team in 2007, taking 3rd place at the State Finals in Phil’s first season as head coach. Mike Howard earned his 500th win in the third game of the girls season.

Our Announcer this evening will be Bob Florez, who also handles the microphone for the Missouri State Bears men’s team. He’ll see two future Bears on the pitch this evening – Heath Melugin (Kickapoo) and Justin Scicluna (West Plains).

We will have Dr. Rusty Bond, a Cox Health sports medicine physician on the sidelines along with a trainer from the Athletic Advantage program at Cox. Dr Bond is part of the Southwest Spine and Sport office at Cox as well as the father of All-Star Jamie Bond (#4 on the Red squad). Thanks to Cox Health for their support of the players and this game.

Referee’s this evening include
Girls
Elizabeth Unruh – Referee
Andy Ellsworth – AR
Anthony Solari – AR

Boys
Trey Smith – Referee
Anthony Solari – AR
Todd McCutcheon – AR

Sponsors of this years event, in addition to Cox Health Athletic Advantage, include Lake Country Soccer, the Springfield Demize, Coesters Restaurant, The Copy Shoppe, J&K Soccer, Baywash Car Wash in Cassville as well as Rick & Tami Dorman and the Booster Clubs at Kickapoo, Glendale, Catholic and Ozark. Thanks as well to the Opfer family, including Scott, Tracy, Austin, Alix and Kasey; The Melugin family, including Phil, Kim, Megan and Miriam; and the Bailes family, including Scott, JoAnn, Allie and Mandy.

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The 3rd Annual Southwest All-Stars Game, presented by SGFsoccer.com and Springfield Soccer Club, will be held the week of June 18th, 2007 at the Cooper Soccer Complex at Lake Country Soccer. There will be a Girls Game at 6:00 pm and the Boys Game will follow at 8:00 pm.

The rosters for the Boys Teams, high school seniors who will graduate in May 2007 and recently completed their high school careers, is listed below. Formal invitations will be going out to the players this week:

Name, School, Position
Javier Perez, Aurora Houn’Dawgs
Rutger Thieme, Greenwood Blue Jays, GK
Ross Chaffin, Greenwood Blue Jays, F/M
Danny Jeffries, New Covenant Academy Warriors, M
Nate Evans, Cassville Wildcats, D
Hector Valenzuela, Cassville Wildcats, M/F
David Valenciano, Monett Cubs, D
Richard Jones, West Plains Zizzers, D
Dustin Smith, West Plains Zizzers, M
Zach Auala, West Plains Zizzers, GK
Chad Bolin, Willard Tigers, D
Julio Villanueva, Central Bulldogs, F
Stephen Conner, Glendale Falcons, GK
Andrew Sawyer, Glendale Falcons, M
Danny Collins, Glendale Falcons, F/M
Jared Dusha, Glendale Falcons, D
Sam Palmer, Glendale Falcons, D
John Duncan, Joplin Eagles, F
Luke Prater, Kickapoo Chiefs, M
Alex Palmer, Kickapoo Chiefs, D
Tyler Williams, Kickapoo Chiefs, M/F
Adam Peterson, Kickapoo Chiefs, M
Matthew Gow, Lebanon Yellowjackets, GK
Bryan Hedgpeth, Lebanon Yellowjackets, M
Kendall Daniel, Neosho Wildcats, GK
Brady Hurlburt, Nixa Eagles, D/M
Danny Curro, Nixa Eagles, F/D
Jon Durbin, Nixa Eagles, M
Spencer Hunter, Ozark Tigers, M
Thomas Marlow, Parkview Vikings, M
Tyler Kutz, Parkview Vikings, GK
Joey Ekstam, Parkview Vikings, F
Kyle Stagner, Rolla Bulldogs, D
Chris Linn, Waynesville Tigers, D

This year’s boys roster includes players representing 18 boys teams (34 players). The breakdown by school and class includes:
• Class 1 – four (4) players from three (3) schools
• Class 2 – seven (7) players from four (4) schools
• Class 3 – twenty-three (23) players from eleven (11) schools

There are six (6) goalkeepers on this years roster, in recognition of the strength at that position that saw several qualified players who did not make the roster. They are led by Stephen Conner of Glendale, a 1st Team All-State player in Class 3 for the past two years and MVP Southwest Region this year. It includes Rutger Theime of Greenwood, All-State Honorable Mention in 2005 when Greenwood finished 3rd in Class 1; Zach Auala of West Plains, Southwest Region GK of the Year and Class 2 3rd place State finisher; and Class 3 representatives Matthew Gow of Lebanon, Kendall Daniel of Neosho and Tyler Kutz of Parkview.

Top field players include
• Jared Dusha, Glendale, 2nd Team All-State and Defensive MVP, Southwest Region
• Tyler Williams, Kickapoo, Honorable Mention All-State and 1st Team Southwest Region & Ozark Conference squad and Southern Methodist University signee
• Luke Prater, Kickapoo, 1st Team Southwest Region & Ozark Conference as well as Kickapoo MVP. Honorable Mention All-State in 2005.
• Danny Collins, Glendale, 1st Team Southwest Region & Ozark Conference as well as Glendale Offensive MVP
• Adam Peterson, Kickapoo, 1st Team Southwest Region & Ozark Conference as well as Kickapoo Coaches Award Winner and ? signee
• Alex Palmer, Kickapoo, 1st Team Southwest Region & Ozark Conference as well as Kickapoo Defensive MVP
• John Duncan, Joplin, 1st Team Southwest Region
• Tom Marlow, Parkview, 1st Team Southwest Region (Unanimous Selection) & Ozark Conference
• Nate Evans, Cassville, Honorable Mention All-State 2006 and 2nd team All-State 2005 when the Wildcats finished 3rd in the State in Class 2. 1st Team Southwest Region in 2006.
• Ross Chaffin, Greenwood, 1st Team All-State in 2005 when the Blue Jays were 3rd place finishers in Class 1
• Brady Hurlburt, Nixa, Honorable Mention Southwest Region
• Danny Curro, Nixa, Honorable Mention Southwest Region
• Chris Linn, Waynesville, Honorable Mention Southwest Region

Recent alumni of the games include the following players:

Jake Basecke, 2005 MVP (Glendale), recently competed in the National Club Collegiate Championships, representing the University of Missouri Men’s Club team.

Andrew Parsons, 2006 (Glendale), participated in the NCAA Division I Tournament as a member of the University of New Mexico Lobo’s

Joshua Florez, 2005 (Parkview), participated in the NCAA Division III Tournament as a member of the Washington University in St. Louis Bears

Steve Wilczewski, 2006 Red team MVP (Glendale), played for the Drury Panthers this year where he started 17 of 18 games

Nick Dryden, 2006 Gold Team MVP (West Plains) plays for the Missouri State Bears.

The games feature the best graduating high school seniors in the region, as chosen by Steve Ole Olson of SGFsoccer.com and Jeremy Alumbaugh of Springfield SC. Nominations were sought from the Coaches at the thirty-one (31) boys teams in three classes that play soccer in the Southwest Missouri region. The girls roster will be announced at the end of the Spring season. The High School State Finals matches are scheduled for June 1-2, 2007 in St. Louis.

The event is organized jointly by SGFsoccer.com, Southwest Missouri’s premier source for soccer information, and the Springfield Soccer Club, home to over 20 teams with two State Semifinalists and four Quarterfinalists the past two years.

The game was covered by Mediacom Channel 14 for tape-delayed broadcast in 2006, the first local soccer event to be broadcast in over a decade.

A website dedicated to the event can be found at SWsoccerAllStars.com

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I’ve edited and uploaded the remaining photos I took from the day of the game. Click on the photo above (Chris Shuler, arriving to center the boys game) to be taken to the new photos. There are appoximately 140 total and as always, are available for free download.

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There was some good press afforded the game, both leading up to game day and following. Coverage is led by Mediacom’s tape-delayed broadcast of both games, with the double-header broadcast on Saturday and Sunday following the game. The girls game was broadcast seperately on Monday and the boys game was broadcast Tuesday evening. You may purchase DVD copies of the game directly from Mediacom at

Springfield coverage including KOLR-10 providing brief footage of the girls game and the News-Leader providing a game day announcement and a game report the following day, supported by a photo of Mikenna Wick of Willard with Jamie Sabel of Kickapoo in the background.

Jeff Mahoney, for the News-Leader, interviews Mattie Donnell, Ozark Tigers and Red squad MVP for her efforts in goal. He also chats with Simone Young, Ozark Tigers, on her game opening goal as well as Jamie Sabel, Kickapoo Chiefs, who got one back for the Gold squad.

On the Boys game, Red team MVP Steve Wilczewski, Glendale Falcons and Drury signee, talks about his game winner two minutes into the second half while Falcon’s teammate Ben Hamilton chimes in with his comments. Nick Dryden, West Plains Zizzers and MSU signee, also offers some kind words about the Glendale program.

Christian County Headliner News provides a nice report on the Ozark girls impact on the game today with Jason Michaels capturing an excellent shot of girls MVP Mattie Donnell blocking a shot in goal. The article is supported with a shot of Nixa goalie Jeremy Massey in the Nixa News-Enterprise.

The Lebanon Daily Record provided a nice overview of Yellowjackets Zach Haring and Ashley Gregg, including the news that Ashley is now Mrs. Ashley Fore after marrying yesterday!

The Neosho Daily News covers the final high school game for Leigh Langland, Ashley Wilson and Lucas Merino in style, using photos and story information from SGFsoccer.com

The Rolla Daily News provided a nice background article on senior Jeff Snodgrass of the Bulldogs.

Dave Roberts also provides sports coverage for the Waynesville Daily Guide where he offered a nice background article on Nikolaj Roell of the Tigers.

The Cassville Democrat also did a preview of the game, featuring Wildcat players Nick Schlichtman & Brett Buchanan.

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Congratulations to the Southwest All-Stars who were named MVP for their respective squads following the game.

For the Girls Gold squad, Karissa Nedoma (Kickapoo Chiefs/Drury Panthers and pictured at left with Coach Evan Palmer, Nixa) was named MVP for her work on offense. Karissa led an early charge by the Gold team that was only thwarted by the outstanding efforts of the Red goalkeeper. In the second half her fine cross from the right side, off of a long pass from Afton Weimer, found Jackie Sabel in the box. Jackie’s goal reduced the deficit to 3-2 at the time.

The Red squad was represented by goalkeeper Mattie Donnell (Ozark Tigers, pictured at right with Coach Mike Gow, Lebanon) who’s early efforts saved two certain goals and overall effort gave her teammates the confidence to go forward. Donnell credited her Tiger teammate Brooke Neill in an interview with the Christian County News for the solid defense in front of her.

Both players were awarded game balls from the game, which were donated by J&K Soccer.

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Congratulations to the Red team who won 3-0 this evening over the Gold squad.

Steve Wilczewski, Glendale Falcons & Drury Panther signee, was voted MVP for the Red team.
Nick Dryden, West Plains Zizzers & Missouri State Bear signee, was voted MVP for the Gold team.

Team photos are available by clicking on the photo above. All photos are available for free download.

The doubleheader will be broadcast on Mediacom Channel 14 on Saturday beginning at 12:30 pm and will be repeated again on Sunday at 4:00 pm. In addition, the Boys game only will be re-broadcast on Tuesday at 8:30 pm.

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Congratulations to the Red squad as they held on to defeat Gold by a score of 4-2 this evening.

Karissa Nedoma, Kickapoo Chiefs and Drury Panthers signee, took home MVP honors for her offensive prowess for the Gold squad. Mattie Donnell, Ozark Tigers, took home MVP honors for her defensive effort in goal for the Red squad.

Team photos are available by clicking on the photo above of Brittany Cobb (Nixa Eagles) attempting to move around Ashley Gregg (Lebanon Yellowjackets) . More photos will be available by Saturday.

The doubleheader will be broadcast on Mediacom Channel 14 on Saturday beginning at 12:30 pm and will be repeated again on Sunday at 4:00 pm. In addition, the Girls game only will be re-broadcast on Monday at 8:30 pm.
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Folks, it’s the Ozarks. The weather will change. Plans are moving ahead for the clinic and the games tonight, the fields will hold up fine. You may recall, the first game was played December 5th, 2004 in what could best be described as a sleet storm. We’re still ahead of that curve!

The games are being played with MSHSAA rules and lightning is the largest concern. The referees will make that call as they have for any of the Spring games this year. There are no make-up dates on this one so we hope to see you out supporting your players and teams.

If you have any questions about the schedule, we will be updating the Springfield SC hotline at 841-4013 with any changes. Jeremy is already at the fields and I’m heading out as soon as this is posted.

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Are you a soccer fan? The kind of guy or gal that can be seen wearing their team colors, with painted face and an excited look? The type the camera is automatically drawn to? Well, the production team from Mediacom will be out in force on Thursday evening for the Southwest Soccer All Star game, with FOUR cameras, to capture the boys and girls game for later rebroadcast.

They may capture you too if you are in your school colors, out to support your favorite players and “Springfield Soccer”. This will be the first time in a decade since the local cable affiliate has covered soccer in this region so we are counting on you to come out and turn this into the game it deserves to be.

Bring your teammates, bring your family, bring your friends who are beginning to understand the joy ‘the beautiful game’ brings us. Show Mediacom and the All Stars how much we love this game and that we want more!

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For those of you unfamiliar with the location of the field, here are the easy directions:

From Interstate 44 (I-44) take Highway 65 South (towards Branson). Proceed to the third exit which is Chestnut Expressway. Turn West (right) onto Chestnut Expressway and proceed approximately one mile to Patterson Road. Turn right onto N. Patterson Avenue (it’s a stoplight) and go to the T-intersection which is Pythian Road. You’ll see Lake Country Soccer on your left which indicates you are almost there. Turn right onto Pythian and proceed 100 yards and turn left into the large parking lot.

The Cooper Soccer Complex is located near the back right corner of the parking lot where you will see three fields. The Southwest All Star Game will be played on Field #1 which you’ll be able to identify by the fence and ticket booth at the entrance.

For more details, use Larry Moore’s Google map of fields in the Ozark Conference. From the “Fields” list on the right, click on Glendale. When the dialog window comes up, click on “Zoom to” and you’ll see a map with a marker that points to the field.

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