The Lady Tigers took an early lead at home against Springfield Kickapoo, but it lasted less than a minute, and they never got it back again. Kickapoo tied the game within seconds, then scored again with five minutes remaining in the game to edge Republic 2-1.
Republic grabbed a 1-0 lead when Emma Pearce charged up the left side of the field and put the ball in the net in the 13th minute. But before the Lady Tigers could take advantage of any momentum their early goal created, Kickapoo struck right back to even the score. It was the first goal allowed by Republic’s defense in more than 320 minutes.
The teams each had opportunities to take the lead throughout the remainder of the first half and much of the second half. With about ten minutes remaining, Jaiden Gibbs took an arching shot from about 25 yards out that nearly sneaked into the net, but a leaping save by Kickapoo’s keeper kept the score tied. Five minutes later, Kickapoo scored the game-winner.
Despite the loss, Hauck said after the game he was happy with his team’s effort against one of the powerhouse programs in southwest Missouri.
“Out of our four losses, they’ve all been by one goal, and one of those was losing in PKs,” said coach Kevin Hauck. “Tonight, battling with Kickapoo all the way down to the very end shows … we’re battling with quality teams and we’re definitely moving in the right direction.”
Farr Better Player of the Game
Emma Pearce scored Republic’s only goal, but that wasn’t her only contribution. She played aggressively up top, helping Republic get several scoring opportunities in both halves, and her performance made her our Farr Better Player of the Game.
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