Marshall-Helias soccer rematch goes to 'Saders

Senior Jeremy Gilpin (5) and the Owls' defense didn't give Helias many chances, but one breakdown produced a 1-0 NCMC loss.

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Ever since suffering its first loss of the season during a 4-0 contest against the Owls in the Moberly Tournament semifinals Sept. 20, the Crusaders had been gearing to the rematch -- which would have a decided effect on the NCMC standings. Hence, Marshall head coach Rayshawn Mars knew the contest would come down to "who wanted it more."

It was Helias (13-3-1, 5-1-1 NCMC), limiting the Owls to a season-low four shots and handing them their first shutout, 1-0, at Jefferson City.

"With all the hype from the last meeting, they were the ones who came out to win," Mars admitted.

With senior sweeper Chris Schneider checking the Marshall attackers and senior goalkeeper Phillip Stroessner making four saves to extend his school record with the 10th shutout of the campaign, the Crusaders kept the high-scoring Owls under wraps.

"They came out and challenged everything," Mars noted. "They were pressuring the ball with their defense."

Marshall's defense, for its part, was nearly as effective -- except for one mistake. A Helias corner kick was allowed to drop into the box, where junior Justin Remmert was able to get to the loose ball and rattle a shot off sophomore Myles Yokeley -- stuck on the left goalpost -- into the net.

"A defensive breakdown cost us a goal," Mars said. "Everybody was watching to see who was going to go and get it."

After the Crusaders' score 12 minutes into the match, Marshall seemed to lose some of its starch -- managing just one on-target shot, an attempt by freshman José Angel Aguilar, during the second half. "They just got down after that goal," Mars conceded.

After seeming to find their rhythm during the middle of the season, the fourth-ranked Owls (11-3, 3-1) have turned in pedestrian performances the last three matches. With a trip to Moberly -- a long-time rival -- coming up Thursday, Mars is hoping his team can find some of the spark it displayed earlier.

"We're still in fourth gear," he remarked. "We need to change gears and get going.

"We need to find the zeal that everybody has near the end of the season."