Park Hill’s boys soccer team overcame rainy conditions to keep its conference unbeaten run intact last week, using a Gabe Anderson goal on a slick second-half attack for the Trojans to defeat North Kansas City on Oct. 1.
Gabe Anderson celebrates his second-half goal against North Kansas City on Oct. 1.
The decisive moment came 6 minutes, 11 seconds into the second half after a swift attack. Senior Kace Pohl was in the heart of the combination play down the right side, driving towards goal and eventually finding Anderson, who calmly slotted it into an open net.
The goal brought some relief for the Trojans, who had penetrated but hadn’t been able to find the breakthrough. Anderson’s finish suddenly changed the match as North Kansas City suddenly had to search for an equalizer.
Park Hill controlled the game from the start, but were unable to break the deadlock in the opening half from a variety of chances. Finally, 47 minutes into the match, Anderson supplied the go-ahead goal that pulled Park Hill across the finish line.
North Kansas City’s moves forward were few and far between, registering an early shot on a miscued attempt that was awkwardly dealt with by Park Hill sophomore goalkeeper Matthew Corbin. Northtown eventually won its first corner kick of the night midway through the second half, which was headed away by junior midfielder Collin Keller at the near post.
The Hornets’ most promising attacks came in the final minutes, beginning with a snapshot from the corner of the box that was well-saved by Corbin after the ball skipped off the turf. Northtown had a couple more chances from central locations in the final three minutes but were unable to hit the frame.
Senior defender Andree Interiano Veliz challenges for the ball against North Kansas City.
Anderson, a versatile senior, switched between the forward line and defense. He finished the match by helping the Trojans lock down defensively, playing alongside senior Andree Interiano Veliz and sophomore Chase Worden as Corbin helped the Trojans keep their fifth clean sheet of the season.
It was an important bounce-back victory after an overtime road defeat to Blue Springs South on Sept. 29. Senior Ryan Rosebrugh scored Park Hill’s goal, eventually falling 2-1 in overtime.
Park Hill opened the week with a 5-1 conference win over Oak Park on Sept. 28. Keller scored twice with additional scores from Wyatt Heaivilin, Cagri Sarialtun and an own goal forced by Pohl.
The Trojans previously showed well in the Smithville Tournament Sept. 22-24, opening with a pair of shutouts against Staley (2-0) and Smithville (6-0). With a chance to clinch the tournament title, Park Hill fell 2-0 to defending Class 3 state champion Van Horn.
At the midway point of the conference schedule, Park Hill remains unbeaten with a 3-0 mark. Prior to wins over North Kansas City and Oak Park, the Trojans opened conference play with a 1-0 win over St. Joseph Central on Sept. 15.
Park Hill now sits with an overall record of 6-7 this year. Remaining conference matches include a home date with Liberty on Oct. 8, a rivalry match against Park Hill South on Oct. 15 and a visit to Lee’s Summit North on Oct. 22.