Trailing the Willard Lady Tigers 1-0 at the half, the Republic Lady Tigers pulled out two goals early in the second half to walk away with the Class 3 District 11 championship, 2-1.
With a steady rain that started during halftime, Republic came into the second half with a new plan.
“In the first half, Willard took the middle away from us, so I thought we could spread them out in the second half,” explained Republic coach Kevin Hauck.
Hauck moved Emily Jordan (jr.) to the outside, where she found her opening in the 50th minute.
“Coach moved me to the wing starting the second half, because they were playing really condensed, the defenders,” said Jordan. “I received the ball toward the middle. As I received it, the defender was just giving me space, so I thought I’d just take a shot.”
Jordan’s shot went right of the Willard keeper, tying the score 1-all.
Republic took the lead two minutes later on a 20-yard shot by Charlotte Mikkelson. The wet ball slipped through the keeper’s fingers, 2-1.
The 20-minute rain stopped, but Republic’s lead held in spite of Willard’s strong efforts. Willard coach Tim Magee credited Republic’s second-half push.
“Republic came out and played with a different fire in the second half, and we weren’t able to equal that for about the first ten minutes,” said Magee. “They were able to get a couple goals on us. Then it went back and forth, and we just weren’t able to get the equalizer.”
Keara Maples scored for Willard in the 12th minute on a shot from the right side, 1-0.
Both teams took some knocks in the second half. With five minutes remaining, Willard’s Kelsie Carroll smashed heads with a Republic player, putting her out of the game with a possible concussion.
Hauck looks forward to a sectional matchup with Carl Junction or Neosho.
“I feel good. I know we’re going to have to play good soccer, though,” said Hauck. “Either team is going to be a tough match. We’re going to have to get back at it, work hard, and prepare the best we can.”
1 2
Willard 1 0 — 1
Republic 0 2 — 2
Willard:
Keara Maples, 1 goal
Republic:
Emily Jordan, 1 goal
Charlotte Mikkelson, 1 goal
