Three visitors to test Central's perfect mark

Central's boys soccer team is off to one of its fastest starts in school history.

The Tigers (14-0) will put their perfect record to the test this weekend when they play a three-game, two-day series against Columbia Hickman, Springfield Glendale and Springfield Kickapoo.

The visiting trio will make the rounds today and Saturday with games against Jackson, Central and Notre Dame.

The games kick off today at 5 p.m. with Glendale (9-3) visiting Notre Dame (8-6-1). Central faces Hickman (11-2-3) at 7 p.m., and Jackson hosts Kickapoo (9-6) at 7.

The Tigers will play tonight's game at Shawnee Soccer Park and both games Saturday at Central High School.

Notre Dame coach Brad Wittenborn said his team has faced Glendale the past few seasons and looks forward to playing them again.

"They've been really close games the last couple of years," he said.

Central's strong start has been spurred on by a group of experienced seniors. The Tigers have not allowed an opponent more than two goals all season. Heath Orr leads the team in scoring.

After two games Saturday, the Tigers will have played five games in four days. Central began the week with a 2-1 victory over Carbondale (Ill.), its third one-goal victory over a strong Terrier squad.

Notre Dame has been banged up of late and will look to test its depth. Despite his team being less than 100 percent, Wittenborn said he thinks playing three games in two days can be good.

"I think it's been beneficial for me as a coach to develop the bench," he said.

Notre Dame, a Class 1 soccer school, will be the smallest school of the six. All three visiting schools are Class 3 schools.

"It's going to be a big test for us," Wittenborn said.