Crosstown soccer rivals Central and Notre Dame drudged through a slick, soggy field at Notre Dame Regional High School on Tuesday night in a key SEMO Conference battle.
The Tigers scored an early second-half goal en route to a 1-0 win that moved the Tigers one win away from clinching the conference title -- possibly. Central is 6-0 in the conference while Notre Dame is 4-2.
Central improved to 12-9 overall, while the Bulldogs fell to 9-9.
"We've got another big conference game Thursday against Jackson," Central assistant coach Josh Crowell said. "If we can get that win we could possibly clinch the conference championship."
The conditions put a damper on both teams' possession-style games. When the ball was not skipping off the wet grass, it was coming to a sudden halt on the drying substance put on the field before the junior varsity game.
"It's more kicking the ball long, instead of playing possession so much," Central defender Matt Hellrich said.
Despite the conditions both teams were able to create chances. Ten minutes into the game, Central forward Tyson Whiteside just missed hooking up with Jackson Bahn on a feed inside the goal box. Notre Dame put several low shots on goal, but Tony Leuckel made sure-handed saves when tested.
After 40 minutes of scoreless play, Central struck six minutes into the second half. Whiteside took a ball Notre Dame goalie Nathan Kolda was unable to handle, gave himself a better angle on the goal and put the ball past several Notre Dame defenders trying to cover the open net.
Notre Dame coach Brad Wittenborn said some miscommunication in the backfield may have cost them on the goal.
"We were solid all night defensively except that one play," he said.
Play settled down for both teams after the goal, with few strong chances until late in the game. With about 12 minutes remaining, Notre Dame forward Frankie Ellis put a ball right on the foot of Abe Dirnberger, who pushed the ball just wide of an open net.
"Frankie Ellis gave a beautiful ball to Abe Dirnberger," Wittenborn said.
The wet conditions played some tricks on Leuckel late in the game, giving Notre Dame one last strong scoring chance. Leuckel fumbled a ball which took a tough hop on him, but Central's defenders were able to clear the ball out of danger.
Notre Dame will not have to wait long to try to gain some revenge, with the two teams meeting at Central on Oct. 20.
Hellrich said beating a rival like Notre Dame is always a big win.
"It's always one of the biggest game of the year," he said.
In the JV game, Central and Notre Dame played to a 3-3 tie.
Brooks Osburn scored twice and Matt Hester added a goal for Central. Tyler McNabb picked up an assist for the Tigers.
Luke Moll, Jack Wedemier and Ty Williams scored for Notre Dame. Wedemier and Austin Gelsheimer had assists.
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