Mustang boys edge Reds on home pitch

MONROE — Misha Seebeck’s talents on the soccer pitch are no longer able to be hidden. The sophomore from Colfax-Mingo has made a big impact on the Prairie City-Monroe boys’ soccer team this season, and future opponents will certainly take notice.

Seebeck scored his fourth goal of the season Friday. It was the only goal the Mustangs scored in a 1-0 home win over Centerville.

“This was a must win. We just needed to pick up the pieces and play like a team and that’s what we did,” Seebeck said. “I didn’t really look up after Isaac passed it to me. I just kicked it to the far post and hoped it went in.”

The Reds (0-6) knew Seebeck was the Mustangs’ top scoring option. Members of the team hollered out “shooter” every time he touched the ball. But with 30 minutes to go in the second half of a scoreless match, there was nothing Centerville’s defense could do.

Seebeck got a pass from sophomore Isaac Telfer and placed a shot perfectly to the far post, beating Centerville goalie Creighton Mihalovich and giving the Mustangs a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.

The assist by Telfer was his first of the season.

“He’s a smart player. He’s played a lot of soccer,” said Telfer about Seebeck.

“I think the other guys are starting to realize some of the talents that he has and they are doing a good job of getting him more opportunities.”

The Mustangs had a 12-3 advantage in shots in the first half.

They took the only six corner kicks of the half, too.

After 40 minutes of play though, neither team had cracked the scoreboard.

Mihalovich preserved the scoreless tilt with a huge save on a penalty-kick attempt by the Mustangs with 2:32 left until halftime.

“We are trying to settle on a lineup,” PCM coach Darrin Telfer said. “We moved some things around tonight, and I think we found a few pieces that we like. I think we solidified the back line with some upperclassmen, and they are starting to fall into their roles.

“The kids are listening and letting us move them around. Overall, I think are more about the team. There is a lot more communication this year.”

PCM (2-3) continued to dominate the match in the second half. The Mustangs had a 15-3 advantage in shots, seven more shots on goal and a 3-0 surplus in corner kicks in the final 40 minutes.

Only Seebeck’s nifty goal in 50th minute got passed Mihalovich though. Mihalovich had nine saves in the loss, while PCM senior Mason Burkman stopped six shots in the win.

Seebeck plans to counter double teams by getting his teammates more involved on the outside.

“I’ll have to look up and see the outside runs and look for more chances at some through balls,” Seebeck said. “I’ll need to be more of a facilitator and use my body when I do get marked up.”

Coach Telfer likes what he has seen early from Seebeck but knows the sophomore from Colfax-Mingo can’t be the team’s only offensive option.

“We’re going to have find someone else who can score. Misha can’t score every time,” Coach Telfer said. “We still have some guys who need to get in better shape and look to score more. They are going to have to execute when their time comes.”

PCM hosts Chariton at 7 p.m. Thursday and plays Collins-Maxwell/Baxter at 5:30 p.m. Friday in Maxwell.