NEOSHO, Mo. — Neosho senior defender Gissele Vargas struck a perfect ball on a free kick from about 45 yards out to break a scoreless tie late in the second half and give the host Wildcats their first win of the season in dramatic 1-0 fashion on Thursday night against rival McDonald County at historic Bob Anderson Stadium.
“It was smart of her,” Neosho coach Steve Schnackenberg said. “She steps up a lot for us. That was a big play.”
Neosho and McDonald County played a match Thursday reflective of two rivals each vying for that so far elusive first win of the season.
“We really needed it,” Schnackenberg said. “We played a lot better than we’ve been playing, so they deserved it. I think Mac played well, but it’s nice to see us get that (first win).”
The Mustangs had multiple scoring opportunities in the second half, but the Wildcats and their sophomore goalkeeper Yaretzi Parker were up to every challenge from McDonald County players like Alexis Abbott and Anna Clarkson.
“Yaretzi had a really good game again today,” Schnackenberg said. “She’s been stepping up big for us. That one goes through the defense, and she still gets it and makes that save. She had three or four just really nice saves.”
Neosho improved to 1-3 on the season and the Wildcats play next with their Central Ozark Conference opener on the road against Joplin, an opponent the Wildcats are 5-17 against over their last 22 meetings with a current three-match losing streak against the Eagles.
“We’re going in the right direction,” Schnackenberg said. “We’re getting better every day and we looked a lot better tonight than we have been. Obviously, we’re looking to continue to grow and get better and we’re optimistic. The girls are starting to come together and we’re starting to figure them out as coaches. We’re making some progress.”
McDonald County dropped to 0-6 on the season and the Mustangs next strive for their first win of the season Monday on the road against Greenwood.
