Park Hill soccer makes semi at Liberty kickoff; South opens with win

Park Hill opened the season with a quiet but important win in the Liberty Kickoff Classic.

Behind a goal from sophomore forward Matt Lachowitzer, the Trojans held for a 1-0 victory over Liberty North on Saturday, Aug. 19 in Liberty, Mo. They advanced to play Lee’s Summit North in a semifinal scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 22, but the result was not available at The Citizen’s deadline.

Lachowitzer started up top in Park Hill’s 5-3-2 formation along with forward John Moran. Logan Gear, a reserve, provided the assist.

Gabe Smith, one of three goalkeepers on the roster, recorded the shutout.

OTHER GAMES

Park Hill South 1, Belton 0

The Panthers opened with a nonconference win Saturday, Aug. 19 in Belton, Mo.

Debuting a completely new lineup, Park Hill South scored the lone goal in the 55th minute through Alzado Medina on an assist from Austin Gates. Mark Allred, taking over as the primary goalkeeper, needed just one save to shut out Belton.

Park Hill South enters the season off of back-to-back trips to the Class 4 quarterfinals but lost 19 seniors from a year ago. Zach Nay, a senior defender, was the only returning player to start last year’s second playoff game.