By MATT PIKE
Trailing at halftime by one goal, the Maryville Lady Spoofhounds soccer team stormed out in the second half and took control against rival Savannah, scoring three unanswered goals on way to a 3-1 win, earning an outright MEC Conference title.
While the Spoofhounds have won 10 district championships since the 2012 season, it's the first outright conference title for Maryville since 2003. Head Coach Stephanie Ingram says the accomplishment feels amazing.
"I'm so proud of the way that these girls played today, we came out at half down 1-0, I know we've came back from a team like this before but it really matters on a day like today when conference is on the line," Ingram tells reporters after the game. "I mean they did not get down at halftime, they came back with energy, they spoke, and I'm just so proud of them."
After a high scoring affair to start the season on March 24th, which Maryville won 4-2, the first half was much more defensive and Savannah was the lone team to take advantage as Erin Larson scored just over seven minutes into the half, netting a goal with 33:43 on the clock. Savages goalkeeper Schyler Hill defended several shots on goal from the Spoofhounds, until the clock hit zero with Savannah leading 1-0 at halftime.
Maryville made adjustments in the second half, primarily focusing on attacking the left side of the field more, after going more towards the right side in the first half, which Ingram says made a big difference.
"When we get open on that left side, I mean you open up so many more offensive players, so the way that they communicated and switched the ball and talked to each other, I think that's what made a huge difference in the second half," Ingram explains.
It took a bit to get going in the second half, but once the Spoofhounds found the openings they poured it on. 17 minutes into the half, Jade Price tied the game up with a goal, with 23:03 left on the clock, and just over seven minutes later Payton Kurz gave Maryville the lead with a brilliant shot over the top of Hill, giving the Spoofhounds a 2-1 lead with 16:37 to go in the game.
Kurz had the conference title in sight and with her competitive spirit wanted to win, saying it was just a simple opening that led her to make the attempt.
"I saw there was space, so I just took a shot and hoped for the best and it went in," Kurz says.
Jersey Ingram scored a final insurance goal with 11:56 remaining in the game to push Maryville ahead 3-1. Savannah did make attempts on goal to cut into the deficit, but Spoofhound goalkeeper Claire Walter allowed none to get by for the victory.
Maryville has one game remaining in the regular season, prior to district play, and will face Harrisonville at home on Thursday. Savannah also has just one game remaining and will travel to face Bishop LeBlond, also on Thursday.
You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.