​Lady Eagles Roll Past Patriots

by John Unrein
 
​
     The confidence on display by the Lady Eagles soccer team in their Suburban Conference matchup against the Truman Patriots was perhaps best summarized by midfielder Raena Childers. The senior paused briefly before remarking, “We are pretty legit I would say,” when asked to reflect on the best thing about being 12-1. The statement drew an immediate smile from teammate Emma Thiessen who nodded in agreement. The duo combined for eight of Grain Valley’s goals in their 11-0 victory over the Truman Patriots on April 27th.
     Both Childers and Thiessen had a plethora of break away chances that resulted in each putting four goals in the net. Clearing all defenders and getting into open space raises the pulse of both the charging player and opposing goalie as this is one of the rarest instances in a soccer game. Someone is going to be ecstatic, and the other party equal in discontentment. Childers and Thiessen each shared their perspective of what this moment is like for them.
     “My first thought is that I have to get it done. If I do all the work to be one on one with the goalie and miss, then it was a waste,” Childers said.
     “This team is strong, young, and passionate. We love the game, and we work hard for each other.”
     Thiessen added, “You do peek at the location of the goalie in those instances as you are processing the coming shot. We work on those situations in practice, so your mindset is about finishing when it occurs during a game.”
     “We enjoy a fast tempo of play. The respect we have for each other permits us to work well as a team.”
     The Eagles were indeed fast in surmounting a lead that allowed the spread rule of an eight goal lead or more be invoked at half time. Grain Valley spent much of the first forty minutes on Truman’s side of the field. Executing well placed throws from out of bounds aided the Lady Eagles in executing their offense. Defender/Midfielder Lexie Arreguin continues to excel in this role for Grain Valley. The junior would also score a goal twelve minutes into the first half.
     “It has been two years since I scored a goal, so that was pretty crazy tonight when it occurred. I really enjoy defense, but it is always fun to have the chance to score,” Arreguin said.
     “I pick a spot in my mind after surveying the field and lob the ball (on throw-ins). Coach (Tyler) Nichol encourages me to throw the ball long with the nods he gives me if I am on our sideline.”
     Arreguin finished, “It is so cool to have the record we have, and I am looking forward to seeing how far we get as the season continues.”
     Lady Eagles head coach Tyler Nichol is not surprised by the level of confidence on display by his team. Nichol points to the tough non-conference schedule Grain Valley played early on against opponents like Kearney, Park Hill South, and Notre Dame de Sion. That level of competition has bolstered his team as they prepare for the month of May and postseason soccer.
     “It is for sure better to be where we are at than to have to build it there,” Nichol said.
     “Good sportsmanship and character are the most important things that we want to show. At the same time, we have goals on the field that we are working towards and getting some of our players more than ten minutes on the field matters. At what point do you make rotational changes with your players? You have to find balance and we tried to do that tonight.”
     Nichol continued, “Manny (Tovar) is a great coach (for Truman) and he understands. We have a good relationship and his team pushed hard tonight the best they could. With everything that has gone on in the last year, the most important thing is that we are all happy to be playing soccer. We are blessed that we have not lost a game yet due to quarantine.”
     The Lady Eagles remain undefeated in their conference schedule. A young Grain Valley varsity squad with eight freshmen, including goalkeeper Morgan Solomon, who recorded the shutout in net against the Patriots, will next face Fort Osage, Incarnate Word Academy, and William Chrisman in the coming week.

Emma Thiessen prepares to put the ball in play.
Photo credit: John Overstreet

​Lexi Arreguin battles for control of the soccer ball.
Photo credit: John Overstreet

Raena Childers breaks into the clear.
Photo credit: John Overstreet