By Kai Raymer (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The scouting report was right, but Carson Tittsworth had a counter.
The Glendale junior midfielder decided to go the other way on his second try.
“I got the ball and I went to cut in and shoot. They know I like my right foot, so they blocked that,” Tittsworth said. “So then I took a touch left, rip it, and it goes back post.”
Tittsworth’s persistence paid off, as he netted the golden goal to lift Glendale over Kickapoo 3-2 in double overtime in a thrilling edition of the annual Southside Showdown.
“I’ve been dreaming of this moment since freshman year, when I was able to play,” Tittsworth said. “It’s amazing to get it in my junior year.”
Game-winners are nothing new for Tittsworth, who scored a golden goal on senior night a year ago to help Glendale beat Republic.
“He has that ability,” said Glendale coach Jeff Rogers.
The opening 40 minutes saw an offensive explosion as the teams combined for four goals.
After an early score from Kickapoo’s Dane Prost, Glendale went ahead on goals by Alejandro Sarmiento (28’) and Misha Trimble (39’, PK).
Kickapoo junior midfielder Troy Skinner may have had the best goal of them all.
In the waning seconds of the first half, he booted a 50-yard free kick over the outstretched arms of the Glendale goalkeeper and into the net.
Glendale controlled the second half, unleashing a steady string of shots against Kickapoo goalkeeper Tucker Phillips, but couldn’t find another go-ahead goal until midway through the second overtime.
“Their goalie held up well and kept them in the match,” Rogers said. “I thought we played well. We certainly had scoring opportunities, so it’s nice when you finally put one in like that at the end.”
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS OF THE GAME
Before the match, Glendale held a ceremony to honor 40 years of boys’ soccer in Springfield Public Schools. The Kickapoo-Glendale soccer series dates back to that inaugural season.
Kickapoo holds the all-time series lead, 43-39-7.
“We’ve had 40 years of games like this,” Rogers said. “This rivalry goes back to the very beginning. Any time we can beat them, or they can beat us, we honor it.”
The teams could play again this season – with postseason stakes on the line.
Glendale moved up to Class 4 this year, joining a local district group that includes Kickapoo, Ozark, Nixa and Waynesville.
“Sometimes, you look at that first (district) game and you think, ‘We’re going to advance pretty easily,’” Rogers said. “With that district now, you’re going to have to earn it every round. This will definitely help us with seeding. But we’ll expect a battle no matter where we’re at.”
Said Tittsworth: “This (win) means we’re building a team and a family. We’re ready to go compete in Class 4 now that we got bumped up.”
Glendale (2-2 overall) continues a busy week this Thursday with a match at Rolla. The Falcons will then compete in the Parkview Viking Showdown Sept. 7-8.
Glendale entered this week coming off road losses to St. Louis schools Vianney (3-0) and SLUH (2-0) last weekend.
“Honestly, our kids played pretty well up there,” Rogers said. “We just gave up goals that we need to do a better job against. Tonight, I think we saw that a little bit. That’ll come with more experience.”
Kickapoo (3-3 overall) plays at Lebanon this Thursday.
Glendale 3, Kickapoo 2 (2 OT)
Kickapoo 2 0 0 0 — 2
Glendale 2 0 0 1 — 3
First half
Kickapoo (2’) – Dane Prost
Glendale (28’) – Alejandro Sarmiento (Misha Trimble assist)
Glendale (39’) – Trimble (PK)
Kickapoo (40’) – Troy Skinner
Second overtime
Glendale (95’) – Carson Tittsworth
