Platte County frames up win behind sophomore’s pair of go-ahead goals

RIVERSIDE, Mo. — By the time Camden Noller found the net, Platte County already trailed again.

However, Platte County’s senior leader started what ended up as a 5-2 comeback victory over Lincoln Prep on Thursday night at Park Hill District Stadium. The Pirates closed the season-opening Park Hill Classic with a much-needed positive result for a scrambled lineup beset by injuries.

Platte County sophomore Daniel Frame netted the eventual game-winner late into the second half, starting a final barrage of three goals in a span of less than 2 minutes.

“It’s next man up. (We) know it,” said Noller, who missed all of his freshman season and most of his junior campaign due to injuries. “It’s good that we have a decent amount of young talent, and it showed tonight.”

Platte County (1-2) entered off of losses to Blue Springs South and Park Hill with the defensive backline in shambles. The Pirates went into the season minus junior central defender Kai James-Gallimore — a two-year starter — due to an offseason ACL tear, and junior Josiah O’Rourke didn’t play against Lincoln Prep after injuring his knee the night before.

Due to the absences, Platte County started senior Kaden Kampmeyer and junior Isaac Johnson in the middle but very quickly shifted junior Sawyer Sullins inside after Lincoln Prep scored the opening goal in the sixth minute.

Platte County looked much better in the immediate aftermath of going behind 1-0. Lucas Walton, a sophomore midfielder, forced an awkward save with a shot at the near post, while Pirates junior forward Kayden Roy sent in an ill-advised chip from distance and long-range shot straight at the goalkeeper.

“Getting back into it, taking those shots, getting those chances, is a good way to keep knocking on the door until one finally goes in,” Noller said.

Noller drew Platte County level in the 22nd minute. He took a bounding ball from sophomore midfielder Elijah Smith and hit a shot off the volley that arced over the top of the goalkeeper at the near post.

The sudden strike seemed to spark an offense also looking for an identity with senior attacking midfielder Ryan Waldman also out for the season due to injury.

“It came off the foot just perfect,” Noller said. “I saw it right over the keeper, just dropped right below the bar. It was a great pass from Eli just to find me right there in the box.”

Platte County took the lead with just over 7 minutes left before halftime off of a detrimental miscue.

Lincoln Prep’s goalkeeper came out to the edge of the 18-yard box in an attempt to cut out a long punt downfield from Platte County junior goalkeeper Jack Gardner. However, the attempted clearance hit Frame, who brought the ball down and navigated traffic before tapping into an open net.

Platte County’s remained at 2-1 at the break and well into the second half.

However, Lincoln Prep scored against the run of play in the 64th minute to force another answer. Noller sent one clear-cut chance earlier in the second half over the bar and hit another shot straight at the Blue Tigers’ goalkeeper.

“Getting the consistency in the finishing (is important) because we created a lot of chances tonight,” Noller said. “If we can just put a few more in the back of the net there, we don’t have to stress when it comes down to 2-2.”

Frame provided again for Platte County in the 67th minute on a breakaway, slotting low past the goalkeeper. In the two minutes following Frame’s second go-ahead goal, the Pirates added to the lead.

A corner kick from Platte County sophomore Adam Krahenbill squeezed through traffic and found junior Tyler Bagwell at the back post for the fourth goal, while off the resulting kickoff, sophomore midfielder Lucas Walton quickly pushed in the fifth. That added to Walton’s assist on Frame’s second just moments earlier.

Platte County junior goalkeeper Jack Gardner ended up credited with an assist on the long ball that led to Frame’s first goal. He also made three saves in the first half. The Pirates used sophomore Cooper Miles in the second half, and he allowed one goal and made one save.

Up next: Platte County hosts Oak Park on Tuesday with the availability of Sullins also to be determined. Sullins left late in regulation against Lincoln Prep with a lower-leg injury and did not return with the three-goal lead in place.

Platte County can now continue to develop a youthful roster with hopes of increased postseason success after being dropped back down to Class 3 this fall. The Pirates did open with two Class 4 opponents and lost 9-1 Blue Springs South on Monday and then hung close with Park Hill but ultimately ended up with a 4-0 defeat Wednesday after allowing a pair of goals early in the second half and two more late in regulation.

Girdner made double-digit saves in both — 17 against Blue Springs South and 10 vs. Park Hill.