Soccer Team Advances to State Playoffs for Fourth Straight Year with Dominant District Performance

Boys’ Soccer Team Advances to State Playoffs for Fourth Straight Year with Dominant District Performance

The Excelsior Springs Tigers Boys’ Soccer team is headed back to the state championship playoffs for the fourth consecutive year following a commanding performance in the district tournament in Chillicothe, Missouri. The Tigers opened district play with an 8-0 semifinal win over Benton on Tuesday, November 5, before capturing the district title with a decisive 9-1 victory over Maryville on Thursday, November 7.

In the semifinal against Benton, the Tigers wasted no time taking control. Senior Austin Collins set the tone with an early goal, assisted by Kolin Kincaid, who followed up with a goal of his own minutes later. Kincaid finished the game with a goal and two assists, while teammates Jacob Zapata, Brady Schoonover, and Tyler Wartner all contributed to the scoreline. Goalkeeper Brett Jones made three critical saves to maintain the shutout, as the Tigers dominated from start to finish.

The Tigers carried that momentum into Thursday’s championship match against No. 2 seed Maryville, where they delivered an emphatic 9-1 victory, ending the game just eight minutes into the second half by the mercy rule. Kincaid led the scoring barrage with four goals and three assists, while Collins added two goals and two assists, and Zapata and Schoonover each found the back of the net. By halftime, Excelsior Springs had built a 6-1 lead, and they quickly added three more goals in the second half to secure the title and their place in the state playoffs.

Head Coach Zac Ganzer praised his team’s leadership and dedication. “The key to our success has really been our group of leaders,” Ganzer said. “It’s a culture of extremely hard work and high expectations, not just for themselves but for each other. That’s what pushes us to get better every day and sets the stage for big wins like this one.”​

The Tigers, now 18-3, have grown through both victories and challenges this season, with their three losses coming by just one goal. Coach Ganzer sees these experiences as invaluable lessons that have prepared his team for the high stakes of postseason play. “Every one of those losses taught us something. We’re better having learned those lessons, and they’ve only made us hungrier as we head into the playoffs,” he said.​​

Next up, the Tigers will face St. Michael the Archangel (18-4) in the MSHSAA Quarterfinals at Tiger Stadium on Saturday, November 16. With home-field advantage and the support of the Excelsior Springs community, the Tigers are poised to continue their playoff journey and make a strong run at the state title.