Soccer Defeats Defending District Champ Fulton

Senior forward Peyton Arnold (6) prevents a Fulton player from moving the ball upfield in last week’s match in Ashland. The Eagles prevailed by a 4 to 2 score. Photo credit: Shawley Photography

By: Todd Pridemore
Last week, the Eagles looked to continue their seven-match winning streak, starting with a trip to Mexico on Tuesday to face the Missouri Military Academy Colonels (9-4) – who happen to be the 4th ranked Class 1 team in the state.

Southern Boone was without starting center back Ethan Brown, who was out with an illness. It was a tough night for the seasoned senior to be sidelined, as MMA put immense pressure on the Eagles defensive back line throughout the opening 40 minutes. SB created only a handful of scoring chances during that time, with the first coming ten minutes into play off a Blake Nichols corner kick.

The ball was served perfectly in front of the goal, where it was deflected twice and seemed destined to sail just under the crossbar when the Colonel’s towering 6’ 6” goalie snatched it for the save. Eagles goalkeeper Emery Arnold collected five saves himself during the scoreless first half. The second period began with the possession of the ball being more even between the two teams, and SB generated a few more scoring chances.

The Eagles seemed to score the go-ahead-goal in the 53rd minute, when Drew Dial made a long throw into the box that appeared to skim the top of Titus Pridemore’s head and the fingertips of the MMA keeper before rolling into the goal. The referee instantly awarded SB the goal, but removed the goal after the Colonels players and coaches protested that the ball was never touched. However, the Eagles did respond to the controversial call by scoring one minute later. Pridemore drew a foul in the box, and Brayden Watson converted the penalty kick.

The 1-0 lead stood up for five minutes, and then the wheels came off for the SB defense. MMA scored in the 59th minute to draw even, and then added goals in the 63rd and 68th minutes to grab command with a 3-1 lead. The home team tacked on an additional goal with 40 seconds to play to make the final score 4-1.

On Thursday, the Eagles returned home to face the defending district champion Fulton Hornets (4-11). After fielding a strong team last season, the Hornets have had a rough go of things this year. SB was in control of the match from the beginning, and took a 1-0 lead when Dial opened the scoring. A few minutes later, Watson served a corner kick that Alejandro Pagoada headed into the net to double the lead. However, the Eagles made things hard for themselves when they allowed an own-goal in the 19th minute.

They responded positively though, getting a goal from Miles Butler, and then Butler assisting on a goal for Dial to close the half. The 4-1 halftime lead stood for much of the second period, but Fulton added an additional score off a well placed 30 yard free kick to make the final margin 4-2.

Southern Boone ended the week by playing two matches in the Stover Classic on Saturday. The day started with a match against the Clinton Cardinals (7-9). The Eagles claimed a 4-0 win with two first-half scores by Watson, and 2nd half goals by Butler and Dial. Then the team closed the day by taking on the host Stover Bulldogs (8-6), and rode goals by Nichols, Dial, Ayden Hernandez, Butler, and a Stover own-goal to claim a 5-2 win.

After the busy week, SB’s overall record stands at 14 wins and 5 losses.