Republic soccer wrapped up a brutal five-game stretch of its schedule with its best performance of the bunch — a 1-0 overtime loss to Springfield Catholic at home Wednesday. Republic has played five teams in a row that it has never beaten in program history, and after four lopsided losses, the Lady Tigers nearly put one in the win column Wednesday night.
The defense played one of its best games of the season, holding Catholic (7-2) throughout regulation and for nearly a full overtime period. But with six seconds left in the first overtime, Peyton Wiseman lofted a high, arching shot over the outstretched arms of Republic goalkeeper Awbree Berning. The ball just snuck under the crossbar, giving the Irish a sudden-death victory.
Berning, forced into varsity action without much experience because of an injury to varsity starter Lillian Weymuth, shut out one of the best teams in southwest Missouri for nearly 90 minutes. She made 20 saves.
Republic coach Jesus Zuniga said he’s not worried his team’s losing streak, given their attitude and the way they’ve adjusted to get better. The team has also been hit with several key injuries, forcing them to change lineups and tactics.
“We’ve adapted to a new formation a few times, and we did it in the first half. (We’ve) showed progress all around — not rushing it, trusting each other,” Zuniga said. “It’s a tough stretch of games. If we can stay positive through what just happened, hopefully their progress starts to show, and I’ll let their actions show, because they’re about to do some good things.”
Republic’s loss was its fifth straight, all to teams the program has never beaten: Glendale, Smith-Cotton, Capital City, Kickapoo, and Catholic. The Lady Tigers are 2-6 overall and host Willard on April 11.