Weather forced an early end to Republic’s Senior Night soccer match, resulting in a 3-1 win for the Tigers over Bolivar Thursday night. The game was called after halftime when lightning moved into the area.
The varsity night started with a ceremony honoring the ten seniors on the Republic roster–Gabe Bandfield, Andrew Farrell, Andres Flores, Garret Hunt, Hayden Lease, Tanner Peabody, Jose Rendon, Payton Roetto, Dawson Sjomeling, and Marcus Vasquez. It continued with a goal from one of those seniors.
Rendon, starting his first game, found a loose ball in the box about six yards from the goal. He struck it as he was falling backwards, pushed it past the Bolivar goalkeeper, and gave the Tigers a 1-0 lead, setting off a celebration among his fellow seniors on the field.
Republic didn’t hold the lead for long. A mere 40 seconds later, Bolivar fired back, tying the game 1-1.
The next two goals for Republic ended up being the game-winners. Both were scored by Julio Quezada in the minutes before halftime, minutes before lightning strikes got close enough to force the game’s cancellation.
Coach David Ashby says he’ll miss his senior class after this season.
“They’re a really good group of kids. I’m going to miss them a lot. They’ve worked hard. A lot of these kids have been with me all four years,” he says. “Their attitudes–everything–has been great. It’s really nice to see all these kids and how they’ve grown and come together. I really think they’re enjoying being around each other and getting to play. This is a special day for them.”
Among the seniors playing their final game was Tanner Peabody, who nearly didn’t play at all after an off-season injury put his senior season in jeopardy.
“I’m really glad he came out and played,” Ashby says. “When he had his accident in the off-season I went and visited him…and he was wanting to play. It was uncertain whether they were going to allow him to play. Not only has he played, he’s stepped up and been a real leader–what a captain should be.”
The win improved Republic’s record to 10-9 overall. The Tigers face Springfield Catholic and former Republic coach Mike Hines next Monday in Springfield.