Republic soccer stretched its winning streak to eight games with a 5-0 victory at Joplin Tuesday night, securing goalkeeper Awbree Berning’s school-record 24th career shutout. The Lady Tigers scored four first-half goals despite steady rain, cruising to their fourth consecutive clean sheet.
Andie Wistrom opened the scoring with 11:58 remaining in the first half. Less than 90 seconds later, an own goal by Joplin (set up with work from Republic’s Emma Hoodenpyle in the box) made it 2-0. Macey Mitchell quickly added another, scoring off an assist from Wistrom just seven seconds after the own goal to push the lead to 3-0. Ava Woolley capped the first-half scoring with one of the niftiest goals of the season so far. Claire Redman sent in a cross from the right side, Woolley settled it off the front of her body toward the goal, then slid forward to beat the advancing goalkeeper, punching the ball into the net with 4:51 left in the half. It was her first career varsity goal.
Cadence Lugar finished the scoring with 19:59 remaining in the second half on an assist from Hoodenpyle.
The win marked the eighth shutout of the season for the Republic defense and junior goalkeeper Berning, who hadn’t played the position until being pressed into action as a freshman due to an injury.
“She makes great saves early on, when we are still tied, to give our team hope,” said coach Jesus Zuniga. “She’s grown tremendously this season.”
Freshmen accounted for two of Republic’s five goals, with Wistrom and Woolley both finding the net. Freshmen were involved in three of the five scores overall.
The win improves Republic’s record to 11-5 on the season. They’re one shutout away from tying the program record for consecutive shutouts (five).
Get every story delivered.
Tiger Wire — Republic sports news, free every morning.