Game Review: Gretna vs. Papillion-La Vista (Girls) – 3/30/21

By itself the final scoreline of this matchup gives the impression that this was a comfortable victory for Gretna. In reality, this was a wonderful night of soccer from both sides as they put their skills on display. There was as much talent on this field as you will find in the state of Nebraska.

Overall, there were a total of seven known Division I prospects sharing the field. Most of these players are in their junior or senior season. However, that number will surely increase in the coming years as the talented underclassmen begin the recruitment process.

This game was competitive for seventy-eight minutes until the Dragons closed with two late goals. Both teams moved the ball efficiently and looked very organized. Highlight reel worthy free kicks from both squads provided clear high points of the night. Our observations confirmed that Gretna and Papillion-La Vista are legitimate title contenders in 2021. 

Game Result – Gretna 5     Papillion-La Vista  2

Women of the Match – Madelyn White & Allison Marshall

NEST Quick Hits 

  • Sarah Weber is a general for her team from start to finish. Her positioning on the field, as well as her communication, set her apart from many. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is getting a very talented player. Her goal off of a free kick opportunity was wonderful to watch. 
  • Gretna is closing the gap on Lincoln East for that #1 ranking. Lincoln East is an excellent team, and they have done nothing but win. However, the Dragons have performed to the highest of standards during the first portion of the season. 
  • Gretna has an excellent group of youngsters that are ready to keep the program in title contention for years to come. Madelyn White is an ultra speedy attacker that is only in her sophomore season. Her attitude and work rate provide a great foundation. Allison Marshall is a name to know for the next three years. Although she was not featured in the starting lineup, the dynamic of the game changed once she entered at forward. 
  • Lauryn Anglim was the standout performer for the Monarch side in this match. She was dangerous with the ball at her feet. The future Husker put on a show with her highlight worthy free kick. It was a textbook approach and a fabulous moment of soccer. 
  • An interesting discovery that should be noted was the absence of Ella Guyott. Guyott was expected by many to be a key contributor for the Monarchs. However, she is listed as a student manager and did not see the field.  

 

Thank you for reading and being a part of our new community. A like, share, comment or recommendation of content would be greatly appreciated. In order to financially support our efforts, sponsorship/partnership opportunities have become available. Sponsors will receive vast exposure to the Nebraska soccer community through different media avenues. The sponsorship process is easy and reasonable.

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Game Review: Papillion-La Vista South vs. Millard West (Girls) – 4/1/21

A classic spring soccer game night was the scene for #4 Papillion-La Vista South and #9 Millard West. As warmups progressed, the temperature stayed relatively mild giving spectators false hope that the evening would be the same. As the action picked up on the field, the temperature plummeted. Ah spring time Nebraska soccer, what a concept. 

The play on the field made the coldness forgettable for large portions of the game. This was a hard fought, intense, and exciting match from beginning to end. The importance of this game could be observed as coaches, players, and spectators embraced their respective roles throughout the game.

Papillon-La Vista South began the game incredibly focused and effective. Their shape, movement, fight, and communication gave them an edge for the first half of the game. A 3-0 halftime lead for the Titans demonstrated their control over the first half of the game. Millard West did have their opportunities and bright spots during that time period, but none were converted. 

However, if anyone expected the game to be over at that point then they truly do not understand this Wildcat program nor have they much knowledge of Coach Tevis-Butler. The Wildcats took the halftime break to regroup resulting in a much more balanced second half. Two Millard West goals early in the second half created some much needed drama. 3-2 would be the closest the young Wildcats would get in this match.

Coach Watson and his players responded to this adversity in a true demonstration of composure and experience. Mia Lang, Dylann Ehegartner, Allie Napora, and Laina Souerdyke took control and put the game away for the Titans. 

Two wonderful free kick conversions, as well as two noteworthy finishes, highlighted the night. 

Game Result – Papillon-La Vista South 5     Millard West 2

Woman of the Match – Dylann Ehegartner (Central Defender & Drake University commit)

NEST Quick Hits 

  • Papillion-La Vista South is a legitimate contender for the Class A title this year. They have the necessary mix of top end talent and squad depth. Their playmakers influence the game at every level making it is hard to find a weakness. Perhaps most important, the entire squad plays with a great understanding of the game and their style of play.
  • Millard West is a young team with a very bright future. Featured in the Wildcats starting lineup were seven players listed as freshmen or sophomores. These youngsters are growing with every game and the potential is apparent. In particular, Giuliana Gagliolo, Ally Stoneburner, and Alyssa French caught my eye with their play. The pieces are there for Coach Tevis-Butler and the Wildcat program. 
  • Laina Souerdyke is a name that will become well known within soccer circles in the near future. This sophomore midfielder for Papillion-La Vista South is a natural on the ball. Her dribbling and passing abilities were wonderful to observe. Pair that with a nose for the goal and you have a top player in the state. 
  • The quality of set pieces this year has been insane. Game after game there seems to be a free kick opportunity that makes everyone go WOW. There were two such moments in this game. If you missed them, go take a look at our twitter thread of the game.

 

Thank you for reading and being a part of our new community. A like, share, comment or recommendation of content would be greatly appreciated. In order to financially support our efforts, sponsorship/partnership opportunities have become available. Sponsors will receive vast exposure to the Nebraska soccer community through different media avenues. The sponsorship process is easy and reasonable.

Contact us on our website or email @ nebraskasoccertalk@gmail.com.

Connect with us on TwitterInstagram, or listen to our podcast.

 

Game Review: Omaha Skutt vs. Omaha Westside (Boys) – 3/19/21

This contest was featured as Nebraska Preps’s game of the week and for good reason. Nebraska Soccer Talk tagged along with Mike Sautter to cover the game. It is worth noting that it was wonderful seeing the stands packed with fans from both sides. These fan bases really got into the game and that enhanced the atmosphere on the field.

Omaha Skutt is a traditional Class B powerhouse that looks to be the frontrunner again this year. Skutt is correctly the #1 ranked team in Class B according to Nebraska Soccer Talk. Their opposition, Omaha Westside, is looking to reclaim a position atop the competitive Class A field. Westside is a big name with a new coach and high expectations. 

Really evident from the beginning was the differing attacking philosophies. Omaha Westside did very well to remain in possession of the ball, especially on their half of the field. Their defenders and goalkeeper were very comfortable with the ball, and Skutt seemed content with not opening themselves up. 57% of the game possession went to the Warriors but only five shots were created during the game. Using athleticism in the final third seemed to be the tactic as long passes were played in from the back. As timing develops throughout the season, goals should be produced, and forward Tristan Alvano looks to be that goal scorer for Westside. 

While having less of the ball, Skutt Catholic seemed to do more with it. Their possession and passing patterns were attack centric. It was a fun style of soccer that did contain more risk and turnovers, but also created more attacking chances. Even with almost ten minutes less of ball possession, the Skyhawks were able to double the amount of shot opportunities. Their entire team seemed to be connected and well organized. 

Thanks to players such as Caleb Vos, Andrew Davidson, and John Meyers, the Skyhawks put on an impressive display. Vos controlled the left side of the field and had more than a few impactful runs. Davidson really controlled the midfield. He was the connector, and the game really went through him.

This game was a physical and chippy matchup as both teams were awarded and converted a penalty kick. This PK would be Westside’s lone goal, while Skutt would find the net two more times.  As the night progressed, Westside did earn a few yellow cards. That will happen to a team that has many strong athletes. 

Game Result – Omaha Skutt 3   Omaha Westside 1

Man of the Match – Andrew Davidson 

NEST Quick Hits 

  • Nebraska Wesleyan is getting a very good player with Caleb Voss. He is a fluid athlete with exceptional ball skill. Perhaps even more important, he seems to understand the game in real time. He was able to impact the game through his vision and defensive angles. 
  • Omaha Skutt is the absolute frontrunner for Class B boys. There are other contenders, but this is a very good team at every position. 
  • It was fantastic to see both communities come out and support their team. The stands were full and enthusiastic. The game of soccer is growing in Nebraska, this game solidified my belief in that.
  • During the post game conversations, Nebraska Soccer Talk was able to discover the secret sauce of the Skutt program. It turns out the soccer program really took hold once a “borrowed” plastic lawn decoration was brought into the fold. The medium sized and decorated plastic bird has seen better days, but it is sure to have some fond soccer memories. Just to be clear, the previous owner was long ago notified and gave their blessing for further usage. 

 

Thank you for reading and being a part of our new community. A like, share, comment or recommendation of content would be greatly appreciated. In order to financially support our efforts, sponsorship/partnership opportunities have become available. Sponsors will receive vast exposure to the Nebraska soccer community through different media avenues. The sponsorship process is easy and reasonable.

Contact us on our website or email @ nebraskasoccertalk@gmail.com.

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Game Review: Grand Island vs. Lincoln Southwest (Boys) – 3/18/21

Two top ten teams met Thursday night in Grand Island in a game that would live up to the hype. Unfortunately, Nebraska Soccer Talk could not attend in-person, but this game was broadcast by News Channel Nebraska. Early on the Islanders looked to be running away with this contest as a clinical finish by Javier Baide and a Silverhawk own goal made the scoreline 2-0. The Islander momentum gradually faded as Southwest settled into the first game of the season. As the game continued, Lincoln Southwest showed themselves to not only be talented but composed as well. An equalizer would come during the beginning portion of the second half. From there, both teams created a fair number of chances and demonstrated their top ten quality. In the end, Lincoln Southwest would seize the moment as senior Eli Rhodes scored an impressive game winner. 

Game Result – Lincoln Southwest 3   Grand Island 2

Man of the Match – Ramzy Hamouda (1 goal & 1 assist; super sub that changed the dynamic of the game)

NEST Quick Hits 

  • These teams justified their Pre-Season Top 10 rankings. It was back and forth, but both sides were able to demonstrate exciting soccer skill. This was an absolute joy to watch from start to finish. 
  • Javier Baide has that next level soccer talent. Baide’s seemingly effortless burst will be a problem for defenders throughout the season. His understanding of space and positioning in the box is also an important attribute. This is a goalscorer through and through.
  • Eli Rhodes is THAT guy for Lincoln Southwest. He is a do-it-all midfielder with an endless motor. His composed game winner was fun to watch and so was the celebration afterwards. He and his teammates went wild, the passion for the game was observable. 
  • Ramzy Hamouda is a name to know for the future. This appeared to be his first game in a Lincoln Southwest uniform and he made quite an impression. His substitution into the attacking midfield was the catalyst for the Silverhawk comeback. A battle for the starting position is sure to follow.  

 

Thank you for reading and being a part of our new community. A like, share, comment or recommendation of content would be greatly appreciated. In order to financially support our efforts, sponsorship/partnership opportunities have become available. Sponsors will receive vast exposure to the Nebraska soccer community through different media avenues. The sponsorship process is easy and reasonable.

Contact us on our website or email @ nebraskasoccertalk@gmail.com.

Connect with us on TwitterInstagram, or listen to our podcast.

 

Game Review: Lexington vs. Papillion La-Vista South (Boys) – 3/18/21

After a year hiatus from high school soccer, anticipation around the state was mounting as we moved towards opening day. That excitement was only bolstered by the fact that many programs decided to test themselves right away.  A premier matchup featuring #5 ranked Papillion-La Vista South (Class A) and #3 ranked Lexington (Class B) was first on our list. It was an entertaining game that contained many exciting moments of individual and team talent. Lexington came out on top with a one to zero victory, and that victory was well earned as the Minutemen controlled momentum from start to finish.

The organization and movement of Lexington was particularly impressive. It appears they will be a team that looks to advance the ball through the midfield, before looking to the outside runners just as they cross midfield. Despite first game challenges, Papillion-La Vista South was in position to tie or win down the stretch. One shot in particular looked goal bound if not for a first-class save by the Lexington keeper. The Titans looked fluid on the counter attack throughout the game. Adjustments seemed to be made at halftime resulting in a much more balanced second half. 

Game Result – Lexington 1   Papillion- La Vista South 0

Man of the Match – Junior Casillas

NEST Quick Hits 

  • Junior Casillas is as good as advertised. His skill set is as complete as they come as it contains speed, confidence on the ball, controlled touch, constant movement, and a bit of flair. He is and will continue to be one of the top overall players in the state. This player needs to be getting more recognition from the media and colleges. 
  • Lexington’s defense was solid throughout this intense matchup. Lots of composure on the backline, and it was evident that a build up pattern is present. The defensive players knew their roles and where the ball should be placed. Unique to them is the presence of a DEEP sitting center back. It is one of the first things a soccer eye notices, and it was effective on this day. 
  • Papillion-LaVista South was without their star player Jack Redd for this game. It appears that Redd is healing from an injury. We would have loved to see him against Lexington because a player of that caliber changes the dynamic of a game.  
  • For South, Parker Hylok is a bright spot for the future. The freshman started in all contests this weekend and held his own. 
  • Lexington made the most of their road trip to the Metro. They went on to play two more games: winning the second, but losing the third. 
  • PLV South rebounded during their next contests. They went on to win their next two games and win the Bellevue East invite. 

 

Thank you for reading and being a part of our new community. A like, share, comment or recommendation of content would be greatly appreciated. In order to financially support our efforts, sponsorship/partnership opportunities have become available. Sponsors will receive vast exposure to the Nebraska soccer community through different media avenues. The sponsorship process is easy and reasonable.

Contact us on our website or email @ nebraskasoccertalk@gmail.com.

Connect with us on TwitterInstagram, or listen to our podcast.