Marshfield Blue Jays Soccer

SPRINGFIELD – Tonight the Marshfield Blue Jays traveled to Springfield to face the Springfield Catholic Irish. In a game that many were waiting to watch two of the best goalies in the area – Sophomore Sensation, Nic Yonter, for Marshfield and the Irish’s Junior Keeper, Levi Millsap – the younger keeper impressed the most. For most of the first twenty minutes, the ball was on the Blue Jay half of the field. As Catholic kept shooting, the ball ended up being cleared by the great defensive play of Kyle Cary, Jacob Twaddle, Evan Barth, and especially, Koty Jones. A point blank shot with 16:55 left found nothing but the goalie. When the Irish did manage to get past the defense, Keeper Nic Yonter ended up with the ball. The Jays offense did create some good chances. With 11:07 left in the half, Robert Martin’s shot narrowly missed the top of the goal. In the 30th minute, a free kick by Koty Jones was exciting, but unsuccessful. These first 36 scoreless minutes of the game were actually a very accurate representation of the contest. Finally, with 3:14 left in the half, Catholic’s Nick Kofron found the back of the net with a solid shot: 0-1. This was also the half time score. Keeper Nic Yonter set a school record with 21 saves in the first half.

As the second half started, the Jays defense kept pushing back the Irish attack, just like the first half. However, with 20:26 left in the game, David Bailey, with an assist from Taylor Arens, was able to squeeze one past the keeper. Two minutes later, a call by the refs resulted in a penalty kick, which was taken successfully by David Bailey for a 3-0 Catholic lead. With less than 2 minutes left in the game, another penalty kick was awarded on a handball in the box and taken by Reid Harbach to make it 4-0, Catholic. Then after the time had completely ended for the game, the refs allowed the Irish to shoot yet another penalty kick, which Taylor Arens took to make the final 5-0. Keeper Nic Yonter set another school record with a total of 36 saves for the game.

Although the game was a tough one, the defense played excellent against one of the best teams in the state (third place in state class 1 last year). The game was much, much, much closer than the score would suggest. Our record is now 6-6. Let’s get ready for our next game against Camdenton on Monday, October 5th, at 4:30 p.m. at HOME.

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MARSHFIELD – After a growing and maturing experience at the Bolivar Tournament over the weekend, the Marshfield Blue Jays were ready to come back home and dominate their opponent, the Dixon Bulldogs. The Marshfield offense was relentless as soon as the opening whistle blew. The mid-fielders made sure the ball was sent to the forwards as the ball lived on the Bulldog side for most of the half. Robert Martin started off the scoring on an unassisted goal early in the game. Next, Robert Martin took a pass from Nicholas Harden and made sure the ball passed the goalie into the net. Still in the first half and not wanting to be done yet, Robert Martin took a pass by Kyle Cary and laced it into the net. If one would think three would be enough for a half, one would have been wrong. Robert Martin and Nicholas Harden teamed up again for goal number FOUR for the half right before the end of the first 40. Not only did Robert Martin now share the Marshfield single season record for goals with Ethan Jernigan at 20 goals (that’s 20 goals through 11 games for the team, but only 10 games for Robert), he also set a school mark with 4 goals in one half.

The Jays started the second half where they left off in the first. Wanting to show his kind heart, Robert Martin presented a perfect opportunity for Colton Harden to join in on the scoring party: 5-0 Marshfield. Although several offsides calls kept the Jays from sending the crowd home early, the Jays did strike one more time as Ryan Doolittle took a pass from DJ Hensley and knocked it into the goal: 6-0. Dixon did finally sneak one past the defense on a corner/header combo to close the gap to 6-1. Overall, the game also worked out well to give some of the players valuable varsity playing experience as Trent Burks and Tre McCracken had some impressive work on the field. Joseph McKinzie and goalie Austyn Hyder also received their first varsity minutes. Keeper Nic Yonter ended the game with 17 saves.

Keep up the good work boys. Our record is now 6-5, another first. Our next game is tomorrow, Tuesday, September 29th, at 6:00 p.m. against Catholic at their field.

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2009 BOLIVAR LIBERATOR SOCCER CLASSIC – Playing in the fifth place game at the Tournament after two narrow loses, the Jays showed their fatigue on the field with a lackluster performance, but did come away with a big W against the College Heights Cougars. The Jays were able to strike first in 3rd minute as DJ Hensley laced a perfect pass to Colton Harden, who planted it into the left corner of the net: 1-0. However, with 32:37 left in the half a free kick by College Heights bounced off the crossbar to a waiting Drew Satterfield to tie the score: 1-1. A corner kick by Evan Barth and a rocket by Colton Harden off the post, and good ball movement by Joseph Huber and Shane Shingleton, highlighted good but unsuccessful chances. This offensive pressure did eventually payoff with 7:30 left in the half, Robert Martin took a pass from Colton Harden, and laced the ball into the net for a 2-1 Marshfield lead. This was all of the scoring for the half.

The Jays kept up the offensive pressure in the second half with a plethora of scoring chances and mainly constant play on the College Heights half of the field. Two corners by Evan Barth fell short. Ryan Doolittle, Colton Harden, and Robert Martin worked together on several nice plays that were very narrow misses. Josh Hyde was all over the field, making sure to feed the forwards. Trent Burks, who also played very well defensively, fired a shot that was just wide. Finally, with 19:22 left in the half, Colton Harden went unassisted into the right upper 90 for a 3-1 lead. Wanting to continue the fun, exactly 3 minutes later, Colton Harden’s pass found Robert Martin, who had the crowd cheering as the ball left his foot and found nothing but net. After this point, most of the players and fans decided to watch the clock as the weight of the three day tournament clearly took its toll. Keeper Nic Yonter had 11 saves, and ended the tournament with a total of 38 saves.

Our record is now back to .500 at 5-5. Our next game is Monday, September 28th, at 4:30 p.m., against Dixon, at HOME.

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2009 BOLIVAR LIBERATOR SOCCER CLASSIC – In an evenly-matched contest, the fans had to avoid the confusion of “Go, Blue” “Go, Jays” and change over to “Go Marshfield” and “Go Greenwood.” The battle of the Blue Jays was a defensive struggle throughout the entire game. Marshfield had several offensive hopes as Koty Jones took a corner with 27:10 and 18:25 left in the half. There were also several deep threats led by Robert Martin, Colton Harden, and Ryan Doolittle. A shot with 6:15 left by Robert Martin went just wide. Finally, in the 39th and 40th minutes, Greenwood’s Stewart Beezley struck two balls into the net for a 2 goal lead for Greenwood at the half.

The second half became a complete defensive battle with just a few interruptions for a little bit of offensive excitement. During the half, the defense of Jacob Twaddle, Evan Barth, and Koty Jones, stood strong with some assistance from mid-fielders DJ Hensley, Christian Harden, and Nicholas Harden. The second half ended without either Blue Jay team scoring, for a final score of Greenwood – 2, Marshfield – 0, bringing our record to 4-5. Keeper Nic Yonter ended the game with 11 saves.

Our playoff game is scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, September, 26 at 12:00 noon against either Clinton or College Heights.

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2009 BOLIVAR LIBERATOR SOCCER CLASSIC – On paper, Marshfield had no chance. Warrensburg was the only team that had beaten Bolivar so far this year. Warrensburg beat Marshfield in this same tournament last year by a score of 6-1. Unfortunately, the game ended up being decided by a non-player. So sad.

The game was mostly evenly played the entire evening. The action was rather intense from beginning to end. The Jays had their offensive chances on a corner by Koty Jones at the 5:10 mark and a hard shot by Colton Harden at the 9:00 mark went just wide. Warrensburg kept offensive pressure on the goal and with 12:00 elapsed in the game, Shayne Luehrs knocked in a loose ball: 0-1. A corner by Colton Harden at the half way point was not successful. He made up for it moments later, as the clock read 17:46, by taking the ball down the right side and Brazilian passing to Robert Martin for the tap in: 1-1. With 8:00 left in the half, the corner from Koty Jones was redirected by a header from Robert Martin, which was barely high. The first half ended in a 1-1 tie. Keeper Nic Yonter had 9 saves.

The second half started very promising. One minute into the half, the Jays were awarded a penalty kick, as Robert Martin was fouled in the box. His penalty was unfortunately blocked by the Warensburg keeper, Israel Baeza, who had an admirable game, by the way. The next 17 minutes presented both teams with good chances. Three corners by Koty Jones and a breakaway opportunity by Ryan Doolittle had the crowd excited, but alas, no change on the scoreboard. As Warrensburg had their chances, DJ Hensley, Koty Jones, and Jacob Twaddle kept in front of the ball. However, with 22:20 left in the game, second team all-stater Shayne Luehrs scored again, lacing one just out of the reach of the keeper: 1-2. The Jays kept the pressure on and with 13:39 left in regulation, Robert Martin took a ball from Colton Harden and chipped it over the goalie, tie score again: 2-2. The intensity kept rising as Warrensburg scored again on a long range shot by Aaron Hensley with 9 minutes left in the game. As Warrensburg was smelling victory, the Jays had other ideas, as Robert Martin went unassisted on a “never-say-die” goal with 3:29 left in the game, giving him another three-goal night! In the last minute of the game, it appeared that Warrensburg had their game winner, but Jays Goalie Nic Yonter had another fantastic save to extend the game. The second half ended 3-3. Keeper Nic Yonter had 16 total saves.

The first 10 minute overtime started and with less than two minutes gone, the refs decided the game should end for some reason. On a night when many fouls were not called and the health of the players was put at risk, the refs decided to call a foul on the Jays on a pure 50/50 ball. Perhaps they had not read this page in the rule book, perhaps they had a flash-back to a totally different game, perhaps they were city-league refs dressed in actual ref uniforms… The call was bad enough that Bolivar fans who were waiting for their team to play next, called it one of the worst calls they had seen. The free kick lead directly to a chance by Leonel Lopez, who put the ball barely past the goalie’s reach for a 3-4 Warrensburg win.

This game was a tough, tough loss – that cannot be denied; but it is also quite encouraging in the fact that if our team plays at this level, they will be in every game for the rest of the year. For the Jays, the 2009 Bolivar Liberator Soccer Classic continues tomorrow, Friday, September 25, at 6:00 p.m. against Greenwood.

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MARSHFIELD – The night before the Jays avoided playing in serious weather conditions as their game against Nixa was postponed. However, tonight the effects of the heavy rain was felt on an incredibly soggy and sloppy field as most things appeared to be in slow motion. The Jays took on the Logan-Rogersville Wildcats tonight at home. The night started off strong for the Jays as they kept the ball on the Rogersville side. Two corner kicks from the foot of Koty Jones in the first 10 minutes came up empty. Soon thereafter, Colton Harden dribbled through several Wildcats, went down the left side and crossed it to a waiting Ryan Doolittle, who volleyed it in with 27:28 showing on the clock. Most of the rest of the half was played in the midfield area. Rogersville ended up with a breakaway chance that was saved by Keeper Nic Yonter. Kyle Cary was quite active all over the field as he was welcomed back to action. Marshfield had two more good offensive chances in the first half that ended up bouncing off the post and a free kick just wide off the cleats of Colton Harden. The first half ended 1-0.

Obviously, the second half field conditions were the same and continued to slow down the game. A yellow card on Rogersville with 8 minutes elapsed seemed to invigorate the Jays as they kept pounding the ball toward the ‘Cats goal. Finally, with the clock showing 26:00, Colton Harden’s cross to Robert Martin resulted in a successful point blank range shot: 2-0. With the game seemingly under control, a defensive lapse changed the game. Rogersville went on the attack from the right side as Jonathon Young crossed the ball near the far post and in an ill-advised unsuccessful offside trap attempt, the defense pulled up and Rogersville’s Derrion Donson did not, and he found the corner of the net to cut the lead to 2-1, with 13:40 left in the game. As most everyone seemed to be watching the clock count down the final minutes, Robert Martin went straight toward the goal and was tripped at about the penalty spot. Quite appropriately, as he flung off the mud from his uniform, he placed the ball in the middle of the box and proceeded to smash the ball into the net, to make the score 3-1, with 3:30 left in the game. This ended up being the final score. Keeper Nic Yonter ended the night with 8 saves.

The JV played half of a game in the same field conditions. Both teams had numerous scoring chances during these 40 minutes. A hard shot by Evan Barth nearly found success, but unfortunately hit off the crossbar. It appeared the game would end in a scoreless tie as time was winding down, but #5 from Rogersville ended up scooting the ball past a chasing Austyn Hyder. The game ended 0-1, putting the JV record at 1-1. Keeper Austyn Hyder ended up with 2 saves.

A special congratulations to the Marshfield Blue Jays Boys’ Soccer Team as they ran their record to 4-3. This is the first time they have been over a .500 winning percentage this late in the season in the history of the program! Keep up the good work, guys, we are so proud of you.

Our next 3 games will be at the Bolivar Tournament. We are in the Blue Pool. The first game is Thursday, September 24th at 4:30 p.m. against Warrensburg. The second game is Friday, September 25th at 6:00 p.m. against Greenwood. The playoff game will be on Saturday, September 26th. The time will be determined by the results of the pool play games: (12:00 or 1:45 or 3:30).

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SOUTH SIDE, SPRINGFIELD – The Blue Jays were looking to even their record tonight against the New Covenant Academy Warriors. The Jays were on the attack from the very beginning. With less than 5 minutes gone in the game, Ryan Doolittle dribbled down the left side of the field, crossed it to Robert Martin, who had a great finish into the net. The offensive pressure continued for the Jays during the first part of the half, but the net was untouched until 21:54 was remaining and Robert Martin went unassisted down the field and woke up the net. 2-0. Meanwhile, defensively, the Jays were stout as Jacob Twaddle, DJ Hensley, Koty Jones, and especially Evan Barth kept the Warriors off the board. With 18:50 left in the half, an intense freekick by Dylan Fieker of New Covenant found the back of the net. The half ended 2-1 Jays. Keeper Nic Yonter had 8 saves.

Putting some of the missed offensive opportunities behind them, the Jays started the second half with a bang. With 36:30 left in the second half, a through ball by Colton Harden was chased down by Robert Martin, who dribbled through defenders and found Ryan Doolittle for the finish. 3-1 Jays. The Warriors fought back and had great offensive pressure as the half passed the ten minute mark. The good defensive effort was not enough to prevent a rocket freekick by NCA’s Tanner Stever, and a rebound goal one minute later, with 28 minutes left in the half, from finding the nylon. At this point, the score was tied, and the Jays were ready to attack once again. The next 15 or so minutes produced much heartache for the Jays for missed offensive opportunities, yet they did not give up. With 12:29 left in the second half, Colton Harden took matters into his own hands by dribbling through several defenders and smashing the ball from the right side. 4-3 Jays. As the clock started ticking, the Warriors again applied the offensive pressure. With just 3:44 left in the second half, there were bodies flying everywhere in front of our goal, as the ball last touched NCA’s Jeremy Weimer and found its way into the goal. This made the score 4-4 and that was the scoreboard’s verdict as the whistle for regulation sounded. Keeper Nic Yonter ended the game with 16 total saves.

As the fans were asking, “What happens now?” the ref tells the audience, “Next goal wins.” This is commonly known as the “golden goal.” Well, apparently the Jays thought “next goal” was a request. Even before the scorekeeper could start the clock for overtime, Colton Harden took the ball, went down the right side, and served a perfect ball to the far post where Robert Martin was appropriately waiting to reach a hat trick by heading the Blue Jays to victory. Marshfield 5, NCA 4!

Although the win was not pretty, it was a win nonetheless. Certainly a true team effort. All of our boys should be applauded. We are proud of you, we believe in you, and look forward to what you can accomplish as you realize your potential. You are now 3-3, which is one game better than last year’s record at this point in the season. Let’s keep up the intensity as we get ready for 5 games next week!

On a different note, we would request that all comments stay positive on our site if you wish for your comment to remain. We have people from all four U.S. time zones and four continents that enjoy this site. Let us concentrate on encouraging our wonderful, hard working young men.

Our next game is Monday, September 21, at 4:30 in Nixa.

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Jays Players of the Game: Robert Martin, Colton Harden, DJ Hensley.

BOLIVAR – The Jays played a tough game against one of the best teams in the area. The pace was fast and furious from the get-go. The Jays defense of Jacob Twaddle, Evan Barth, and Koty Jones did well keeping Bolivar off of the scoreboard until 9:20 was left in the half as Tinash Zungura hit the first goal of the game. With 2:29 left in the half, Branden Roberts made it 2-0 in Bolivar’s favor. Goalie Nic Yonter ended the half with 12 saves.

Bolivar continued its attack as the second half started. With 29:34 left in the game, Bradley Stillwagon scored to make it 3-0. About 2 minutes later, Matt Magana added another goal to Bolivar’s total. With 22:43 left in the game, Bolivar was awarded a penalty kick for a trip in the box. Kyle “Toad” Slagle took the shot, as usual, for the Liberators. Goalie Nic Yonter saved the powerful shot to prevent the scorekeeper from adding any points. For the next several minutes, this seemed to give the Jays the momentum they needed as they created numerous scoring opportunities. With 14:20 left the game, Robert Martin took an excellent long-ball pass from Colton Harden to the bank, to make the score 4-1. Just a couple of minutes later, a shot by Ryan Doolittle narrowly missed. With 8:15 left in the game, Mitchell Waters made the score 5-1. In stoppage time, Conner Stillwagon ended the scoring at 6-1. Keeper Nic Yonter finished the night with 21 saves.

After a hard fought win the night before against Branson, the Jays gave all they had left in their tank, but it fell short. We applaud their heart and courage. Now it is time to rest up for our next game this Thursday at 4:30 at New Covenant on their soccer field (NCA Field).

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Jays Players of the Game: Jacob Twaddle, Robert Martin, Josh Hyde, Evan Barth.

MARSHFIELD – The game was unbelievably intense from the first tick off the clock. Both teams had great opportunities to score. Branson had a couple of well-placed shots in the upper 90 that were pushed away by Keeper Nic Yonter. Branson had a free kick from about 21 yards that was miraculously deflected by the wall, led by Evan Barth, to squash the danger. Marshfield finally broke through with 16:28 left in the first half as Colton Harden laced a pass to Robert Martin, who dribbled once and smashed a hard drive into the left corner of the net. Approximately 2 minutes later, with 14:26 left in the half, Ryan Doolittle had a great breakaway and found Robert Martin for the great finish into the net. The first half ended with the Jays up 2-0. Keeper Nic Yonter had 10 saves by halftime.

The second half started calmer, at least for the first 24 minutes. With 15:21 left in the game, Ryan Doolittle had a breakaway on a pass by Colton Harden that found the back of the net. Branson turned up the heat at this point, becoming even more aggressive. With about 14 minutes left in the game, Pirate Fernando Cedeno’s 20 yard bomb squeezed past the Jays keeper to tighten the score. With 11:39 left in the contest, Branson scored again as Roman Gomez’s shot found the net. As the Pirates thought a free kick was about to tie the score, the Jays’ wall, led by Jacob Twaddle, deflected the shot. Branson again thought they had tied the score on a hard upper 90 shot, but it was deflected and caught by Jays Keeper Nic Yonter, finishing with 18 saves. As the Jays fans were staring at the clock, hoping the ref had a good handle on stoppage time, the game finally ended: Marshfield 3, Branson 2.

Congrats to Josh Hyde, who was playing his first game at center-mid. Josh won nearly every 50/50 ball and refused to quit, ensuring the beginning of several attacks and thwarting many Branson chances.

Special ovation to Robert Martin, who now has 39 career goals, breaking the Marshfield career mark of 37!

Our next game is tomorrow, Tuesday, September 15th at 4:30 p.m. in Bolivar.

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Jays Players of the Game: Nicholas Harden, Robert Martin, Ryan Doolittle, Colton Harden.

AURORA – The third time was the charm for the Jays as they broke through into the win column in the third game of the year. Freshman, Nicholas Harden, started the scoring within the first few minutes on a chip to the back post. Robert Martin followed with a hard shot into the far corner. As he was going toward another potential goal, he was tripped in the penalty box, thus setting up a penalty kick. Colton Harden’s kick ended up smashing into the net, making the score 3-0. Not to be outdone, Robert Martin came up with a great pass to Ryan Doolittle, who did not disappoint, by lacing the ball into the net to end the first half at 4-0.

As the second half started, Marshfield realized that the best defense is a good offense, ending up with 29 shots on goal by the time the final whistle sounded. The Jays kept shooting at the goal, and their lead kept growing. Robert Martin continued the scoring on a nicely placed through ball by Colton Harden. Nicholas Harden scored his second career goal and second of the game on a strong cross by DJ Hensley. Goal number 7 was also the second of the night (and second career) for Ryan Doolittle on a through ball by Koty Jones. Later in the half, Colton Harden matched his brother’s total, with his second goal, a powerful shot into the upper 90. The scoring was capped off by Robert Martin’s hat trick with about 4 minutes left in the game on a penalty kick awarded after a trip on Colton Harden in the last 18. Final score, Marshfield 9, Aurora 0. Shutout goes to Cory Day, who also had 4 saves.

On a side note, kudos to the Aurora Keeper, Bryce Hill, who had 20 saves.

The JV played a half of a game. Cory Day had the first goal on a penalty kick, due to a handball. Josh Hyde bulled his way into the goal, with the ball, for the second score. Freshman, Shane Shingleton, scored his first career goal and the Marshfield JV’s third goal of the night for a 3-0 victory. Keeper Austyn Hyder had a shutout half.

Congratulations to Robert Martin, whose three goals tonight ties him with Willis Zirschky for the all-time career mark of 37 goals at Marshfield.

Our next game is Monday, September 14th, at 4:30 p.m. at HOME against Branson.

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