Cassville coming into own during banner season
The Cassville boys soccer team is in the midst of its best season in recent memory, and in one of the best districts in the state as the postseason comes into view.
The Wildcats (9-4-1) took on Class 2 No. 1-ranked Logan-Rogersville (12-0) on Sept. 26, giving up an early goal but holding on to knot the score up with only 17 seconds left to play.
While the visiting Wildcats scored in the second half of overtime to take the 2-1, win, the home Wildcats are now fully aware of their capabilities in the remainder of their season.
“We had some issues staying goal-side of our marks in the first 15 minutes,” said Jake Forste, Cassville soccer coach.
“Their goal came during this time and was a combination of our ball pressure getting beat off the dribble, while also losing the backside runner to a slotted ball. Fortunately, we stabilized these issues shortly after their goal.
“I think this result confirms what I’ve known about these guys for a while — there is not a talent disparity between our guys and the best-of-the-best in our class/ district. We are capable of competing against, and beating, anyone on the schedule. For the rest of the season, it will come down to playing at the standard we have set for ourselves, regardless of the opponent.”
Cassville’s biggest tests may yet be on the horizon. The Wildcats are 3-2 against teams with records of .500 or above, and two more winning squads are on the schedule next week.
After traveling to Aurora (3-10) on Thursday, Cassville will host Springfield Catholic (9-6) on Tuesday, then travel to No. 8 Monett (10-3) on Oct. 12.
“Beating these two would likely make us conference runners-up, or could force a shared Big 8 title if Logan-Rogersville drops a conference game,” Forste said. “Monett is also in our district, and beating them would keep us alive for the No. 2 district seed.”
Cassville’s district of seven teams has three in the state’s top 10, voted on by the Missouri High School Soccer Coaches Association. Along with Logan-Rogersville and Monett, Bolivar is also in the mix, ranked No. 6 in the Sept. 26 list. Aurora and Greenwood (9-4) round out the Class 2, District 5 group.
“At this point, I think we have secured a top-four placement,” Forste said. “Logan-Rogersville is the likely No. 1, with Cassville, Monett and Bolivar all battling it out for the 2-4 slots. Seeding simply comes down to if we see Monett/Bolivar in round to, or Logan-Rogersville again in a No. 1 vs. No. 4 matchup. Any of those matchups would be highly competitive, and I don’t have a preference on the potential round two opponent.
“Our district is about the toughest I can remember seeing. Six of the seven teams are likely to have winning records, while three or four will likely enter the playoffs state-ranked. Logan-Rogersville has yet to lose a game, Monett and Bolivar are at double-digit wins, and we are right there with them.”
Forste said with only seven regular-season contests remaining, executing consistently will be what enables as long playoff run.
“I have been confident in our preparation and game-planning all season,” he said. “If we play to our best abilities, I think competing for a district championship is a real possibility. Anything less than our best will make it difficult to beat any of the projected top-four opponents.”
Cassville had its first winning season last year since 2009 and won its first postseason game since 2013.
Leading the team is sophomore Diego Haros with 10 goals and 16 assists. Senior Ashton Wheeler has netted 17 goals and added 7 assists. As a squad, the Wildcats average 3.57 goals per game and allow 1.14. Cassville’s 50 goals this season have already outpaced last year’s 45, and this year’s six shutouts have surpassed last year’s five.
The Wildcats face Aurora on Thursday at 4:30 p.m.
