The Hillcrest Academy Raven soccer team makes a long trip west tonight to take on the Chariton Chargers in the Class 1A District 6 semifinals. The Ravens are 8-4-2 this year after a 5-1 first round win over Mid-Prairie. Hillcrest has outscored their opponents 57-20 this year, with 149 shots on goal, 90 corner kicks, 50 assists and a 76% team save percentage. The Ravens are No. 7 in 1A in assists and eighth in goals. Individually, Mason Helmuth and Micah Gerber lead with 13 and 12 goals respectively. Seth Ours has nine assists, followed by eight for Helmuth. In goal, Kyle Neuschwander has 59 saves.
Chariton is 12-1-2 this year after a 6-0 win over Centerville in their regular season finale May 16th. The Chargers have outscored their opponents 60-14 this year with 192 shots on goal, 71 corner kicks, 54 assists and an 82% team save percentage. The Chargers are No. 6 in 1A in goals, shots and assists. Three have double figure goals and assists for the Chargers, led by Cristofer Enamorado with 18 goals and 16 assists, followed by Cameron Gibson and Callahan Querrey each with 11 goals and 10 assists. Enamorado’s goal total is eighth in 1A. This week, Raven seniors Mason Bender and Mason Helmuth spoke with KCII Sports following their win over Mid-Prairie about the keys in the next round.
Bender said, “We have to get to work getting ready for Chariton. They’re a solid team, but I think everyone is beatable in soccer. Just one breakaway can determine the outcome of a match.”
Helmuth continued, “We really wanted the first round win. From here we have to stay aggressive.”
Action starts tonight at 7p.m. At Northwest Park in Chariton.