Senior Kolin Kincaid gets twisted up by the swarming Guardian defense. Photo by Marty Williams at ExcelsiorEye.com.
Excelsior Springs, Mo. (Nov. 16, 2024) – The Excelsior Springs Tigers boys’ soccer team saw their stellar season come to a bittersweet end on Saturday in the state quarterfinal match against the St. Michael the Archangel Guardians. Playing on their home turf with the crowd behind them, the Tigers fought hard but ultimately fell 2-0, marking the end of an 18-4 season that included conference and district championships.
This matchup felt different from the outset. The Tigers, who had steamrolled past opponents throughout the season—including a dominant 9-1 mercy-rule victory over Maryville in the district championship—faced a tenacious and disciplined St. Michael squad. The Guardians scored twice in the second half, with goals in the 59th and 64th minutes, sealing the Tigers’ fate and denying them a fourth consecutive trip to the state championship final four.
The Tigers struggled offensively, managing just four total shots and two on target. St. Michael’s defense was relentless, denying Excelsior Springs any real scoring opportunities. Sophomore goalkeeper Brett Jones was a standout for the Tigers, keeping them in the game with seven saves, but the Guardians’ pressure eventually proved too much.
Despite the loss, this season further demonstrated the toughness and skill of the Excelsior Springs soccer program. With an 18-4 overall record, a conference title, and a district championship to their name, the team has plenty to be proud of. “The memories I’ve been fortunate enough to make with these guys over the last 4 years are something that I’ll cherish forever. The people that they are leaving our program [as] will be what I’m most proud of,” shared head coach Zac Ganzer after the game.
The team will graduate seven seniors: Deagen Barber, Ryan Easton, Grayson Grove, Kolin Kincaid, Austin Collins, Logan Houston, and Jacob Zapata. Their leadership will be missed, but the Tigers have a strong foundation to build upon. A large and talented up-and-coming freshman class signals a bright future.
While the dream of a state championship fell short, the Tigers’ continued success this season emphasizes their position as a powerhouse in the region. With young talent rising and a legacy of excellence to uphold, Excelsior Springs is sure to be back in the hunt next year.
For now, the Tigers can hold their heads high, knowing they left it all on the field in what was another truly remarkable season.
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