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.

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

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

 

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: 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.

 

Papillion-La Vista – Class A Team Preview (Girls)

Previewing an upcoming season is never an easy task. To do so properly takes countless hours of emails, observations, statistical research, conversation, and reflection. Adding onto that difficulty are challenges, such as a cancelled 2020 season and lingering COVID restrictions, making our preview preparation feel almost impossible.

Despite these obstacles, the approaching 2021 season and its participants – whether that be players, coaches, fans, or families – deserve some semblance of normalcy. Soccer in Nebraska and all those who participate deserve to be promoted. Over the course of the next several weeks, NEST will overview EVERY high school soccer program in our state. This was done to the best of our ability using all of the information we could collect.

Nebraska Soccer Talk is here to support many fantastic teams, coaches, players, fans, and referees that make our game possible. One mission of this venture is to discover and centralize newsworthy information. This can only be done in collaboration with individual programs. As a whole, our sport must better promote itself in order to grow the player and supporter pool. We encourage every team to proudly and consistently advertise itself to us and the general public. The more information available, the more our game will grow. Soccer is a game historically left behind to linger in the background in the United States. That circumstance is changing, but that change will not happen automatically. Growing and covering all aspects of our sport will take effort from all of those who love it.

Disclaimer – To prepare for these articles, a questionnaire was sent to every school’s head coach and athletic director. Many of these questionnaires were returned in a timely fashion, others were not. Nebraska Soccer Talk prides itself on equal and in-depth coverage, but cooperation is needed to meet that goal. Please consider this to be our reasoning when it comes to article length and accuracy.

Papillion-La Vista

Head Coach – April Kelcher

Previous Records

Year Record
2019 12-5
2018 11-5

Players to Watch – 

  • Mykena Turner (South Dakota State University soccer signee)
  • Claudia Wilson (Midland University soccer signee)
  • Ella Guyott (University of Nebraska-Lincoln soccer commit)
  • Lauryn Anglim (University of Nebraska-Lincoln soccer commit)
  • Lauren Schmidt (University of Nebraska-Omaha soccer commit)

State Status – Front Runner, Contender, Dark Horse, Up-And-Coming, Building, Too Early To Tell

Previous Season Accomplishments – 2019 Class A State Qualifier

NEST Analysis – 2021 could be a banner year for the Papillion-La Vista girls soccer program as they look to improve upon their 2019 state qualification. Rarely does so much talent occupy the same school at the same time, it is a circumstance engineered by hard work and luck. Adding to the excitement is the fact that the Monarch’s backline, midfield, and attack will all feature a Division I recruit. With Mykena Turner, Ella Guyott, and Lauryn Anglim on the field, Papio will feature one of the state’s most star studded lineups. For Coach Kelcher and her program, a year of high expectations is right around the corner. Papillion-La Vista will begin the season as the #3 team in Class A according to Nebraska Soccer Talk.

 

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 on Spotify.

 

 

Papillion-La Vista – Class A Team Preview (Boys)

Previewing an upcoming season is never an easy task. To do so properly takes countless hours of emails, observations, statistical research, conversation, and reflection. Adding onto that difficulty are challenges, such as a cancelled 2020 season and lingering COVID restrictions, making our preview preparation feel almost impossible.

Despite these obstacles, the approaching 2021 season and its participants – whether that be players, coaches, fans, or families – deserve some semblance of normalcy. Soccer in Nebraska and all those who participate deserve to be promoted. Over the course of the next several weeks, NEST will overview EVERY high school soccer program in our state. This was done to the best of our ability using all of the information we could collect.

Nebraska Soccer Talk is here to support many fantastic teams, coaches, players, fans, and referees that make our game possible. One mission of this venture is to discover and centralize newsworthy information. This can only be done in collaboration with individual programs. As a whole, our sport must better promote itself in order to grow the player and supporter pool. We encourage every team to proudly and consistently advertise itself to us and the general public. The more information available, the more our game will grow. Soccer is a game historically left behind to linger in the background in the United States. That circumstance is changing, but that change will not happen automatically. Growing and covering all aspects of our sport will take effort from all of those who love it.

Disclaimer – To prepare for these articles, a questionnaire was sent to every school’s head coach and athletic director. Many of these questionnaires were returned in a timely fashion, others were not. Nebraska Soccer Talk prides itself on equal and in-depth coverage, but cooperation is needed to meet that goal. Please consider this to be our reasoning when it comes to article length and accuracy.

Papillion-La Vista

Head Coach – Andre Watts

Previous Records

Year Record
2019 14-5
2018 4-11

Players to Watch – Nick Sells

State Status – Front Runner, Contender, Dark Horse, Up-And-Coming, Building, Too Early To Tell

Previous Season Accomplishments – 2019 Class A State Semi-Finalists

NEST Analysis – The Monarchs arrive into 2021 with high expectations and state aspirations. One of the surprise teams in 2019, Papillion-La Vista earned their way to the semi-finals. For that to happen, Coach Andre Watts will be depending on returners such as Nick Sells. This is a team worth watching this year and well into the future. The Monarchs are listed #6 overall for Class A  in Nebraska Soccer Talk’s pre-season list.

 

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 on Spotify.

 

Papillion-La Vista South – Class A Team Preview (Girls)

Previewing an upcoming season is never an easy task. To do so properly takes countless hours of emails, observations, statistical research, conversation, and reflection. Adding onto that difficulty are challenges, such as a cancelled 2020 season and lingering COVID restrictions, making our preview preparation feel almost impossible.

Despite these obstacles, the approaching 2021 season and its participants – whether that be players, coaches, fans, or families – deserve some semblance of normalcy. Soccer in Nebraska and all those who participate deserve to be promoted. Over the course of the next several weeks, NEST will overview EVERY high school soccer program in our state. This was done to the best of our ability using all of the information we could collect.

Nebraska Soccer Talk is here to support many fantastic teams, coaches, players, fans, and referees that make our game possible. One mission of this venture is to discover and centralize newsworthy information. This can only be done in collaboration with individual programs. As a whole, our sport must better promote itself in order to grow the player and supporter pool. We encourage every team to proudly and consistently advertise itself to us and the general public. The more information available, the more our game will grow. Soccer is a game historically left behind to linger in the background in the United States. That circumstance is changing, but that change will not happen automatically. Growing and covering all aspects of our sport will take effort from all of those who love it.

Disclaimer – To prepare for these articles, a questionnaire was sent to every school’s head coach and athletic director. Many of these questionnaires were returned in a timely fashion, others were not. Nebraska Soccer Talk prides itself on equal and in-depth coverage, but cooperation is needed to meet that goal. Please consider this to be our reasoning when it comes to article length and accuracy.

Papillion-La Vista South

Head Coach – Jake Watson

Previous Records

Year Record
2019 13-6
2018 9-7

 

Players to Watch – Allie Napora (University of Nebraska-Lincoln soccer signee), Savanna Solomon, Averie Hike, Ava Austin, Laina Souerdyke

State Status – Front Runner, Contender, Dark Horse, Up-And-Coming, Building, Too Early To Tell

Previous Season Accomplishments – 2019 Class A State Qualifier

NEST Analysis – 2020 was supposed to be the year of the Titan in Class A girls soccer. Perhaps no program was left wondering and wanting more than Papillion-La Vista South. There is little doubt that a highly talented and experienced 2020 squad could have been the best in school history. However, the Titans must leave those “what ifs” behind as they prepare to fulfill those ambitions this year. Allie Napora returns to the high school game and provides a huge boost to the Titan roster. An extremely talented sophomore class will need to adapt to the Class A level very quickly after missing their freshman season. Much of the stand out talent is located at the attacking positions, so it’s no secret the opposing goalkeepers will be kept very busy. Heading into the 2021 season, the Titans are our #8 ranked team in Class A.

 

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 on Spotify.

 

Class A Girls – Pre-Season Top 10 List

Previewing an upcoming season is never an easy task. To do so properly takes countless hours of emails, observations, statistical research, conversation, and reflection. Adding onto that difficulty are challenges, such as a cancelled 2020 season and lingering COVID restrictions, making our preview preparation feel almost impossible.

Despite these obstacles, the approaching 2021 season and its participants – whether that be players, coaches, fans, or families – deserve some semblance of normalcy. Soccer in Nebraska and all those who participate deserve to be promoted. In the following article series, we will reveal our Pre-Season Top 10 rankings for the 2021 season.

This poll was developed while considering many different factors including program track records, recommendations from coaches, and roster strength. With that being said, much of this is subjective and opinions can vary. The rankings will be updated on bi-weekly basis. To the best of our ability, these rankings will reflect the reality of the soccer environment. Adjustments will be made as the season progresses and many conversations will take place. We look forward to those discussions. At season’s end, we will look back to review these pre-season rankings. What did we get right? Where did we go wrong? Which team surprised us all?

Also, included in each article is a section titled Teams on the Verge. These teams ranked just outside our Top 10 but are considered to be in contention. The rankings are fluid and flexible; any team could quickly enter our Top 10 list.

Class A Girl’s Pre-Season List

  1. Lincoln East
  2. Gretna
  3. Papillion-La Vista
  4. Omaha Marian
  5. Lincoln Southeast
  6. Millard West
  7. Elkhorn South
  8. Papillion-La Vista South
  9. Lincoln Southwest
  10. Millard North

Teams on the Verge: Kearney, Bellevue West, Lincoln North Star, Millard South, Norfolk, Omaha South, Omaha Westside, Columbus, North Platte

 

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 on Spotify.