Senior Night was a little extra special for the Republic Tigers soccer team, even after the 1-0 victory over Webb City. The Tigers held their annual fundraiser, with a silent auction and other activities to benefit the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks. The team raised more than $4,000.
“The fundraiser is just another step in their careers, in turning into adults,” says head coach Mike Hines. “We’ve made it a priority.”
On the field, the Tigers controlled the ball most of the night, playing much of the game in front of the Cardinals’ goal. After a scoreless first half, Mitchell Heinzler put the Tigers ahead seven minutes after the break. Heinzler took a free kick, slicking the ball from left to right, out of reach of Webb City’s goalkeeper to make the score 1-0.
Late in the half, Webb City mounted a couple of scoring threats, but the Tigers turned them away to preserve the victory. Hines says patience by the offense played a big role in Republic’s ability to control the ball.
“We’re moving the ball laterally. When we take our time and we’re patient, we drop the ball and we swing around, we’re going to find lanes that we can then go on the opposite side, because the ball can transition from one side to the other faster than their defense can,” Hines says. “That’s a maturity thing for our team, and we’re getting better at it as we’ve focused on it.”
Before the game, Republic honored seniors Tanner Willis, Riley Norris, Riley Close, Hugo Donjuan, Paul Adams, Joel Adams, and Adam Peavler.