Park Hill South overcame an early goal allowed to score a win in its season-opener in a matchup of playoff teams from a year ago.
Dan Geary scored twice, including a go-ahead penalty kick, in a 3-1 win vs. Belton on Friday, Aug. 19 at Park Hill District Soccer Complex in Riverside, Mo. The Pirates — a Class 3 sectional qualifier with 20 wins a year ago — took the lead in the sixth minute.
Geary leveled for Park Hill South in the 15th minute off the first of two assists for midfielder Ryan DiBernardo, drawing the Class 4 quarterfinalist level going into halftime.
Geary scored in the 60th minute to give the Panthers the lead for good, and Spencer Denney added the final tally in the 72nd minute off a pass from DiBernardo. After allowing the early goal, Noah Brizendine — taking over for two-time all-state goalkeeper Evan Morrow — finished with a pair of saves.
“The boys played well against a very strong Belton team and were able to overcome giving up an early goal,” Park Hill South first-year coach Chris Farmer said.
Park Hill 1, Smithville 0
The Trojans opened the Liberty Kickoff Classic with a shutout victory Saturday, Aug. 20 in Liberty, Mo.
Paulo Murguia scored the lone goal on an assist from Erik Goodwin in the 30th minute, and Gabe Smith recorded the shutout with three saves. Park Hill advanced to the semifinal round, scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 23 against Lee’s Summit North, but the result was not available at The Citizen’s deadline.
Park Hill’s defensive backline in front of first-year starter Smith featured Jackson Foutch, Aaron Simpson, Jack Austin and Alec Goodwin.