Park Hill found its way into the championship of the Panther Classic and nearly capped a frustrating week with a big win.
After drawing in two pool play games, the Trojans were awarded the top spot and a chance to play Raymore-Peculiar for a third time this season. The Panthers won the first two matchups in Suburban Conference Gold Division play but fell behind early.
Two goals early in the second half earned Raymore-Peculiar a 2-1 comeback win Thursday, Oct. 6 at Park Hill District Soccer Complex in Riverside, Mo.
Park Hill’s Paulo Murguia converted a penalty kick in the second minute to put the Trojans up 1-0, and the lead held until the break behind some solid defense. The Trojans faltered early in the second half and gave up two before rallying back to force mounting pressure and a chance at an equalizer.
The tying goal didn’t come, and Park Hill finished the tournament 0-1-2.
Park Hill South 1, North Kansas City 0
The host team made a Daniel Gunderson goal stand up in the third-place game of the Panther Classic.
Gunderson scored in the 27th minute unassisted, and goalkeeper Noah Brizendine recorded a clean sheet without a save. Park Hill South managed just five shots total but finished the tournament unbeaten at 2-0-1.
Park Hill 1, Smithville 1
Andrew Rich leveled for Park Hill with about 15 minutes left off of a set piece, salvaging a point Tuesday, Oct. 4 to help the Trojans reach the title game. Smithville took a 1-0 lead into halftime, capitalizing on a miscue in the back in the 31st minute.
Park Hill South 1, Raymore-Peculiar 1
Nylo Clarke’s goal in the 62nd minute allowed Park Hill South to grab a draw Wednesday, Oct. 5.
Park Hill South held the advantage in shots on goal at 8-6 but fell behind 1-0 in the 25th minute. Clarke’s goal on an assist from Tyler Pisoni came 18 minutes before full time and avoided a loss for the hosts.
However, Raymore-Peculiar topped the group on criteria and played in the title game.
Raymore-Peculiar 4, Platte County 1
The Pirates ended up winless in pool play after a loss Tuesday, Oct. 4. Raymore-Peculiar led 4-0 before giving up a late goal to Blake Cochran.
Platte County and Smithville opted not to play the fifth-place game of the six-team tournament.
Other games
Park Hill South 1, Liberty North 0
The Panthers improved to 7-0 in Suburban Conference Red Division play, finishing a season sweep of the Eagles on Monday, Oct. 10 in Liberty, Mo.
Spencer Denney scored in the 19th minute on an assist from Daniel Geary. Brizendine made two saves, and Park Hill South has allowed just one goal in seven league games with three left to play.
Park Hill South has a 13-2-2 record entering a Wednesday, Oct. 12 game at Truman before playing at St. Joseph Central on Thursday, Oct. 13.