Platte County’s soccer team flirted with danger in the first half, but a much-improved second half gave junior forward Kayden Roy the chance to deliver a much-needed goal and lift the Pirates over Smithville on Sept. 16 at Pirate Stadium.
It was the game’s lone goal, and Roy’s first of the season, helping the Pirates defeat Smithville 1-0. Platte County worked hard to earn its first clean sheet in almost a year.
“First half, we were still kind of struggling to keep possession,” said Platte County head coach Ashlyn Brantley. “I think second half we did a better job of that and putting pressure on them. We continued to put pressure on their backs. Even if it was a corner or goal kick, we were on their end, we were able to organize and that second half really helped us out.”
The decisive goal originated from an attack down the right side, where sophomore winger Lucas Walton earned a corner kick. Senior forward Camden Noller headed the ensuing corner kick, but his effort smacked the post before bouncing around the six-yard box and was cleared.
Platte County junior forward Kayden Roy scored his first goal of the season against Smithville on Sept. 16.
Platte County eventually retrieved the ball from 45 yards out and constructed a four-pass buildup, which included a give-and-go between sophomore midfielder Elijah Smith and Noller, before finding Roy on the right side. Roy shifted the ball to his right foot, creating just enough space to unleash a shot from 16 yards out that snuck in.
“A lot was going through my mind,” Roy said of his goal scored in the 63rd minute. “I haven’t got one all season, so it’s good to get one finally.”
Roy used three touches to get his shot away. His first two touches pushed the ball into space, allowing him to rip a right-footed effort that had just enough velocity to beat the goalkeeper’s outstretched right hand before skipping off the turf and into the back of the net.
“It was a little surreal because I saw the keeper dive the same way as the ball, but it went under him,” Roy recalled. “When I saw it go under him, it was like, ‘did this really just happen?’ I just got too excited and went to the corner.”
Brantley was glad to see Roy rewarded for his work. He is among the upperclass leaders on the team and has been making the adjustments to become a productive forward in Platte County’s system this season.
“It’s not always going to be easy, and that’s what he showed throughout the game,” Brantley said. “They were on his back, and with forwards, they’re going to be playing with their backs away from the goal the majority of the time, but it’s nice to know that he has the confidence to hold the ball up and take players on.”
The goal featured a quick passage of play that required precision to cut through Smithville’s defense, innovative play from Noller on his return pass to Smith, off-the-ball movement and a well-controlled shot from Roy. Precisely the type of play Brantley wanted to see after a first half when they struggled to string together consecutive passes.
“They know what to do,” Brantley said. “We didn’t really change our shape or anything like that, just executing. We had the same amount of energy the first half; we just had to organize it and better frame it, which is what I think they did in the second half.”
Smithville dominated early, outshooting Platte County 8-2 in the first half but were held to just three shots in the second half. Luckily for Platte County, Smithville faced their fair share of struggles in finding the target.
The Warriors’ attack was mostly silent in the second half, although there was a late scare that required an intervention from junior goalkeeper Jack Girdner. Smithville popped a ball near midfield toward the top of the box for their forward to control, and after he touched it to an oncoming striker, Girdner saved it with a diving stop to his right, keeping his first clean sheet of the season intact.
Junior goalkeeper Jack Girdner earned his first clean sheet of the season, holding Smithville scoreless on 13 shots at Pirate Stadium on Sept. 16.
Smithville’s only other threatening moment from a losing position was shortly after Roy’s goal. It came from another service from midfield, with a Smithville forward getting behind the defense once more on a ball over the top, but the forward struggled to gain control and forced his strike wide.
Platte County worked its way back into the match in the second half, generating an opportunity in the first five minutes and another shortly before Roy’s successful effort. By the contest’s conclusion, the Pirates were only outshot 13-11.
“We needed this win because it hasn’t been going well for us this season,” Roy said. “I’m sure this win will bring us the confidence to keep going this season and hopefully not lose again.”
Both teams could meet again in postseason play. Platte County is set for a return to Class 3 District 8, which also features Smithville, after the Pirates appeared in Class 4 last year.
“All the people talking and saying we’re bad and stuff,” Roy said. “This win really does give us the momentum to keep going and not lose.”
Now 3-4 to start the season, with all four defeats against Class 4 opposition, Platte County continues its non-conference slate with matchups against Benton (Sept. 24). They open conference play with a visit to Grain Valley on Sept. 28.