Platte County looks headed in right direction after encouraging performances at home tournament

Platte County entered this season with a replenished roster, ready to create a new identity. Even as injuries struck, the Pirates looked different in one of the most difficult tournament fields around.

For the first time in three years, the hosts earned a win in the Platte County Invitational. Platte County opened with a shootout loss to Class 4 powerhouse Park Hill South, which went 21-2 in 2024, and then advanced to the fifth-place game with a 6-1 victory over Raymore-Peculiar behind a pair of goals apiece for senior forwards Rylee Burris and Lauren Stone. The Pirates went in 0-3 in their home tournament each of the past two years, but a combination of newcomers coupled with a deep roster of returners have them in a positive mindset.

“We’re definitely coming into (the season) with a more family-based dynamic,” Burris said. “The team is definitely a lot stronger this year, as a whole team. It’s not just individuals playing out there. We’re connecting the ball a lot better.”

In the win over Raymore-Peculiar last Saturday, four different players factored in the scoring for Platte County, which led 4-0 at halftime. The Pirates went into the consolation semifinal without seniors Madison Palmer and Brooklynne Jenni after they both suffered head injuries in the season-opener.

With Palmer out, Platte County mostly used senior Annabel Beeman and freshman Emily Fadler in the middle of defense with senior Aliva Juarez, junior Kaylee Dixon and sophomore Caroline Linn also in the rotation. The Pirates also benefited from the return of senior defensive midfielder Giada Cucchiara, who scored in the first half and also provided important support as the main defensive midfielder after missing all of her junior season while rehabbing a torn ACL.

“It’s definitely frustrating (to have injuries) so early on the season,” Burris said. “We haven’t even really got a couple of games under our belt yet, and we’re already missing some people. But they’ll take the time they need, and then they’ll be back.”

Perhaps most importantly, Platte County didn’t blink after struggling to create chances for most of the second half.

Raymore-Peculiar (0-3-1) drew within 4-1 with about 10 minutes left in regulation with a well-placed shot that looped past diving left senior goalkeeper Finley Kaser, who made 11 saves. The Panthers couldn’t build on the momentum, and Stone scored her second in the 76th minute and then added her second assist to set up Burris for the final goal in the 79th minute.

“It’s really nice that even when we’re tired and we’ve been playing a long game that we can still come back and put the ball in the back of the net when we need to,” Burris said.

Platte County entered the game after a scoreless regulation against Park Hill South, which then won the penalty kick shootout 3-1. The Pirates’ lone conversion came from senior midfielder Lily Kytasaari in the first round. That leveled the score at 1-1, and Kaser helped keep out two of the next three before the winner came in the fifth round.

However, Platte County’s offense found footing early and often against Raymore-Peculiar. The Pirates’ attack benefits from the return of Stone, who did not play last season but started as a sophomore, and the addition of freshman Addison Stone, who can play up top. Kytasaari became the focal point of last year’s offense but can tuck back in the formation and provide more offensive support for the diverse options up top.

Kytasaari set up Burris for the first goal in the 16th minute, and Burris doubled the lead 5 minutes later.

Platte County went up 3-0 on the first career goal for reserve sophomore forward Macy Doll on assist for sophomore midfielder Amela Dzilic, who played a large role as a freshman, and Cucchiara increased the advantage to 4-0 just before halftime on an assist from Lauren Stone. With Jenni out, the Pirates were also able to work in juniors Saige Dickens — a starter — and junior Kiara Smith and sophomores Mila Cucchiara and Bella Dean.

The rotation also included freshman Katelyn Newberry, who exited with a facial injury in the first half and did not return.

Platte County’s increased depth could be important after absences piled up in each of the past two seasons. The Pirates have not been to the playoffs since 2021.

“I love working with all these girls, wherever we are on the field,” Burris said. “It’s nice seeing everyone get the recognition that they deserve and getting (the ball) in the back of the net.”

Platte County’s tournament did end with an 7-0 loss to small-school power St. Pius X. The Warriors were a district finalist last season and finished second in Class 2 two years ago. The Pirates’ early-season schedule again looks tough with a Suburban Conference White Division opener at Truman on Monday before hosting Grain Valley on Wednesday. The Eagles won the Platte County Invitational with a 3-0 win over Raymore-Peculiar before beating Park Hill South in PKs and topping Staley 2-0 in the final.

Staley beat St. Pius X in the first round, while Park Hill South ended up third with all three games going to a shootout.