Republic soccer claims two COC wins in overtime thrillers

Lady Tigers fall in shootout to St. Michael at Springfield Catholic
 
Republic soccer won two consecutive overtime home games in Central Ozark Conference play, first against Willard, then against Joplin, before dropping a non-conference contest in Springfield, Friday.
Willard and Republic played to a 1-1 tie through regulation and two 10-minute overtime periods, but Republic made all five of its penalty kicks to edge Willard, Tuesday. Republic goalkeeper Graci Coleman made a save on Willard’s third kick and Cadence Lugar booted in the game-winner to deliver a win on Republic’s Senior Night.
Before the game, Republic honored seniors Emma Jaquess, Kathryn Flippin, Yelayna Jakes, Graci Coleman, Ashlyn Leonard, Erin Brown, and Alexis Collins-Irvin.
“This group of seniors is a great group because they are team players. They just want the team to win, so whatever they need to do to be able to put us in a better position to win, they’re willing to do that,” coach Kevin Hauck said. “I just love them. They have great attitudes and they’re a lot of fun to be around.”
The overtime celebration wouldn’t have been possible if not for a second-half goal by Cameron Burton, her first of the year. She scored off a rebound with 16:25 remaining in regulation to tie the score after Madison Foley had put Willard ahead with a first-half goal.
“I got the ball crossed to me and I got a touch on it, and it went right (to) the goal,” Burton said. “The goalie blocked it and hit it off her knees, and I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, now’s my chance.’ And I just kicked it right into the goal. It was an incredible feeling. I don’t even know how to explain it.”
Wednesday, Republic needed overtime but not penalty kicks to beat Joplin 2-1. Kendra Phiri ended the game when she found a loose ball in a crowded box and knocked it into the corner of the net during the second overtime period. The winning kick came on a well-delivered corner kick by Molly
Blades.
Republic had broken a scoreless tie in the second half on a corner kick by Phiri. Cadence Lugar fought through multiple defenders to reach the ball and poke it across the goal line, making it 1-0. Joplin’s Ella Hafer tied the score about 10 minutes later, and Republic failed to cash in on several good scoring opportunities during the final minutes of regulation. Phiri’s game-winning goal came about four minutes into the second
overtime.
Friday, Republic competed in a shootout at Springfield Catholic, losing a 4-0 decision to St. Michael the Archangel out of the Kansas City area.