It’s one of the most widespread superstitions in soccer — a 2-goal lead is the worst lead to have.

The Cassville boys soccer team (10-10-1) took a 2-0 lead into halftime against Monett Thursday in front of a record crowd, but ultimately allowed the Cubs to tie, and Monett’s goalkeeper saved a shot to hand the Wildcats a 3-2 loss on penalty kicks.

“We lost our composure some and made some mental mistakes,” said Jake Forste, Cassville soccer coach. “Both goals could have been avoided. It’s especially disappointing to give up the second goal on a free kick when that was something we had been drilling all week.”

Cassville had its chances, hitting the post multiple times and suffering from some possible missed calls, but no chance was more promising than junior Ashton Wheeler’s run in the second half of overtime.

Getting in behind the right back, Wheeler, who has two goals in each of his last three games and scored both against Monett, cut in and chipped the ball over a sliding Monett goalkeeper, only to see a gust of wind push the shot just wide of the frame.

“There were some very questionable calls from the officials, we hit some posts and that chip on the breakaway from Ashton was on target until the wind carried it out,” Forste said. “On a different day, I think we win that game. The way we do things now and with our effort, the guys are doing all we tell them to do, and this time, it just didn’t pan out.”

Monett has had the best of Cassville for the better part of a decade, with the Wildcats last defeating the Cubs in September 2013. Monett also didn’t allow Cassville a single goal over four matches from 2018– 2020.

Forste said although this is the closest the Wildcats have come to a win in that long, the loss is already in the rearview.

“Of our nine losses this season, four have been in overtime or penalties,” he said. “We are right there a play away in all those games. We are playing like a winning team, but sometimes, it just doesn’t work out. We’re keeping our heads up because we know we played a great game. Even though Monett is our blood rival, we shook their hands after with class and moved on.

“Sometimes you have bad breaks, and this was one of those times. But, we had lots of fans there and the biggest student section we’ve ever had, so taking all into account, it was a great game.”

The Wildcats now turn their attention to the end of the regular season and potential district matchups. The Wildcats traveled to Springfield Parkview on Monday and hosted New Covenant on Tuesday. The season finale is Thursday at home against Greenwood, which Forste said is a likely district matchup.

“Monett has probably locked in the No. 3 seed with their win over us, so I anticipate we’ll play Greenwood in a 4-5 matchup, and if we win, Logan-Rogersville in a 1-4 matchup. The last time we played Logan-Rogersville (16-2) we played well. They are ranked No. 2 in the state for Class 2 right now, but I like how we match up with them. It’s like a mirror. They are maybe a little more composed on the ball, but we are more physical.”

Forste said for the Wildcats to make a deep run, they have to hit on all the goals they’ve set for themselves this season.

“Our goals are to play with effort and intensity, talk and stay composed, and play with class and sportsmanship,” he said. “As long as we do these things, we will win more than we lose, and right now, we are doing them for the most part.”

Kickoff against Greenwood Thursday is at 4:30 p.m. The district tournament begins on Oct. 29.