The Republic Middle school soccer team beat Willard 2-1 Tuesday.

Andrew Ferrell put the Tigers on top 1-0, with an assist by Tanner Peabody. Willard countered late in the 1st half, tying the game 1-1.

The game-winner came early in the 2nd half on a goal by Payton Roetto. The defense held off Willard the rest of the way.

Republic improves to 2-2-1, with three games left against Bolivar, Jarett, and Springfield Catholic.

Ozark used defensive breakdowns by Republic to score four first-half goals, and cruised to a 5-1 win Tuesday night.

Republic’s only score came on a first-half goal by Bishop Davidson that briefly cut the score to 3-1, before Ozark answered back to quell any hopes of a Republic comeback.

The Republic soccer team broke on top early, but couldn’t hang on in a 2-1 home loss to Springfield Central.

Both teams scored early in the first half, with Republic drawing first blood. Riley Close scored on an assist from Mitchell Heinzler to give the Tigers a 1-0 lead.

Central scored quickly to tie the game at 1-1, and that’s where the score remained until the second half.

With 19:30 left in the game, Central booted a shot from the front of the box, curling it into the upper-right corner of the net for the winning score.

Republic is on the road later this week, traveling to Marshfield for a game Thursday.

Neosho scored early, then tacked on another key goal after a penalty in the second half, then hung on to beat Republic 2-1 in soccer Thursday.

The game was played in sloppy conditions, and that slowed down the action until late in the game, after Republic pulled to within one goal on a penalty kick by Paul Adams. The Tigers pressed hard in the final few minutes, and got two good scoring chances, but couldn’t convert. The best chance came on a shot that hit the post before Neosho’s goalie grabbed it away from the goal.

Two corner kicks late in the game also failed to turn into the equalizing goal for Republic.

Willard jumped ahead of Republic 2-0 Tuesday, and held on for a 2-1 COC soccer victory at Willard.

Republic’s lone goal came from Paul Adams, closing the gap to 2-1. But Republic couldn’t get the equalizer despite an intense effort in the second half.

Republic is home again Thursday for a COC match against Neosho.