Left Arrow
Right Arrow
Follow Us    

Posted: Monday, 15 October 2012 8:49PM

Cassville soccer celebrates senior night with win over Hillcrest



Ken Pollreisz

stories@ky3.com

Cassville, Mo. (For OzarksSportsZone.com)  -- Cassville junior forward Zach McGuffey stole the show on senior night as he registered a hat trick to lead the Wildcats to a 5-2 victory over Hillcrest. 
 
From the outset, Cassville commanded possession as the Wildcat midfield wouldn’t allow the Hornets into their offensive end.  From there it didn’t take long for McGuffey to go to work as he blasted a shot from the left side past Hillcrest keeper Caleb Boston in the ninth minute for a 1-0 lead. 

McGuffey responded in a big way to some motivation from head coach Andrew Hoskins. 

“I challenged him.” said Hoskins.  “I put him on the bench, he came out and put in a goal right away.”

Eight minutes later, McGuffey rose to the challenge again as he redirected a David Verde free kick into the right side of the goal for a 2-0 score.  With time winding down in the half, McGuffey would notch his hat trick as he took a breakaway, dribbled around the charging Boston, and slid it past the keeper to put the Wildcats up 3-0 at the half. 
 
Cassville continued to attack in the second half but couldn't extend the lead as Verde fired wide left on a breakaway eight minutes in. Nine minutes later, freshman midfielder Kendal Branham fired high over the crossbar.  But the Wildcats would lock up the game seconds later as Verde struck a low shot from the right into the left side netting.  The final Cassville goal came via an own goal in the 66th minute.
 
Hoskins was pleased to get a victory he thought his team needed.  “It’s definitely a morale booster for us going into districts. They took out Monett earlier this year 2-1 so for us to walk out with this type of victory, I’m very content.” 

Hillcrest would spoil the shutout as Ryan Strait scored in the 67th minute. Kyler Anderson followed up with a beautiful 30 yard volley that got over Cassville goalie Indy Cole in the 71st minute to make the final score 5-2. 

Cassville improves their season record to 7-10-1 and will next face New Covenant Academy at home on Tuesday night.  Hillcrest drops to 4-12 and will host Springfield Central on Thursday.

Filed Under :  
Topics : Cassville, Hillcrest, Men's Soccer
People : Andrew Hoskins, Caleb Boston, Indy Cole, Kendal Branham, Kyler Anderson, Ryan Strait, Zach McGuffey
Send via EmailE-Mail
PrintPrint
Photo Galleries

Pictures: New Franklin vs. Stoutland
Through five innings, New Franklin led Stoutland 5-1 before the weather postponement.

Pictures: Billings 2, Purdy 0
Billings moves on to the state quarterfinals.

Pictures: Harrison soccer teams play for State Title
The Harrsion Goblins fell in the Class 5 boys and girls soccer championships.
Videos
O-Zone Opinion
Could Drury beat Missouri State?
In the aftermath of Drury's run to the National Championship, a common topic has arisen in the area. In a one game scenario, could the Panthers beat Missouri State? Naturally, my first inclination is to say no. The difference between the mid-major,...
Read More
A former player the answer for Lady Bears
Just 16 days ago Nyla Milleson was let go as the head coach of the Lady Bears. Missouri State President Clif Smart and Athletic Director Kyle Moats both took turns citing a laundry list of reasons, both on and off the court, as to why the...
Read More
Time for the Valley to go big or go home
Conference realignment is finally affecting The Valley. Last week, as many have been speculating for months, Creighton announced its decision to leave the Valley and join the "Catholic 7" in the revamped Big East. For Creighton, the opportunity...
Read More
Most Viewed