Nixa soccer gets revenge over bogey team Glendale in district championship

SPRINGFIELD — Revenge is a dish best served cold. 

On a chilly evening, Nixa soccer bested Glendale 1-0 behind a late goal to lift the Class 4 district championship on Monday, Nov. 9. 

This was Nixa’s first victory over Glendale since 2023, after losing five straight games. It’s a moment that many of the seniors have been dreaming of, especially goalkeeper Jackson Smith. 

“It feels great, senior year, we haven’t beat them since freshman year,” Smith said. “For us to come out and win a district championship, it feels good for our city, our team. I’m thrilled.”

Smith had a stellar game, but when a hero was needed, Gavin Shaw rose to the occasion.

Cross country: Gloria Deo’s Caroline Fields wins Class 1 state title with sister by her side

With three minutes remaining, Shaw received the ball on the left wing. 

The senior danced on the ball a few times, juking out Glendale’s defense. He drove towards the byline before firing a cross.  The ball ricocheted off of a Glendale defender and snuck through the goal at the near post. 

“It’s definitely a top momentum of my life,” Shaw said. “Scoring a game-winner in the district championship is always fun. Run to the corner and have everyone jump in and celebrate, it was super exciting.”

It wasn’t the prettiest goal, but it was a testament to Nixa’s style of play. The Eagles wanted the ball down the wings and it’s where they made the most of their chances. Nixa fired cross after cross into Glendale’s box throughout the match.

The variety of crosses made it difficult for Glendale. They were sometimes pinged to the six-yard line, or they were lofted to the back post. Each cross proved that Nixa was getting closer to a goal, finally hitting the back of the net with minutes to spare. 

“We moved our wings up the field. We wanted to make sure we’re defensively solid, but then get up and attack,” Nixa head coach Evan Palmer said. “It puts Gavin and Spencer (Rinne), who play the wing a lot, up there where they can do their stuff because they’re fantastic on the ball.”

High school football: Breaking down Springfield area district semifinal action

Shaw’s goal was the difference maker. The celebrations wouldn’t happen without Smith’s strong wrists. He was called into action on multiple occasions, showcasing his reflexes and stopping ability. 

Glendale attacked down Nixa’s left wing with 10 minutes to play. A shot was fired and Shaw needed to fully extend himself to cover the back post. It was a fantastic save, but the ball filtered to the top of the box. Glendale’s next shot rattled the bar before Nixa could clear the lines. It was one of the Falcons’ best chances of the game. 

“I couldn’t even tell you,” Shaw said, reliving the close call. “I freaked out. I was happy, but I tried not to get too happy. I try to stay consistent and stay in the zone, but it’s hard not to get excited.”

Glendale has been Nixa’s bogey team for years. In the regular season, the Falcons won 3-2. In the district championship, Nixa got its moment to shine. For a group that has wanted to taste success for a long time, it was well earned. This was Nixa’s first district championship since 2020. 

“This was a state-level game,” Palmer said. “Lee’s Summit West is going to be tough for us. This is the kind of level it’s going to be, going to be physical.”

Nixa will head to Lee’s Summit West in the Class 4 State Quarterfinals on Saturday, Nov. 14. The Eagles haven’t reached a final four since 2015. 

Liam Keating covers high school sports and Missouri State athletics for The Springfield News-Leader. Send stats or information to him at [email protected]

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Nixa soccer gets revenge over bogey team Glendale in district championship