Platte County honored eight seniors before the game, and a sophomore midfielder delivered a deciding moment late in regulation Monday night at Pirate Stadium. The Pirates were deadlocked in a scoreless tie deep into the second half against Raytown when Elijah Smith headed home the only goal in a 1-0 victory in Suburban Conference White Division play.
Platte County senior defender Kaden Kampmeyer hits a clearance against Raytown on Monday night at Pirate Stadium.
Two days later, Platte County nearly came away with another last-ditch victory but ultimately lost in penalty kicks to Staley.
However, Platte County (5-7) slowly became more healthy and complete in recent weeks and appears poised to build momentum late int he regular season. The Pirates now have an even 1-1 record in conference play with tests coming up against Fort Osage (12-1) and Belton (9-2).
Platte County’s eight senior honorees included standout forward Camden Noller and central defender Kaden Kampmeyer along with reserve contributors Wyatt Beeson, Thomas Lawson and Tyler Kaser. The Pirates also included midfielder Ryan Waldman, one of two expected starters lost to offseason knee injuries.
In addition, Platte County rebuilt the defensive backline without junior Kai James-Gallimore but then also dealt with a prolonged absence for junior Josiah O’Rourke, who went out in the second game of the season with a knee injury but returned September 28 against Grain Valley.
O’Rourke slots back in the central defense, while junior Sawyer Sullins can shift back outside.
Platte County sophomore midfielder Elijah Smith plays a pass against Raytown on Monday night at Pirate Stadium.
The win over Raytown (3-7) marked just the second cleansheet of the season for Platte County junior goalkeeper Jack Girdner. However, he continues to play a pivotal role in critical situations.
Girdner ended up the central figure in Paltte County’s second shootout of the season, having made four total penalty kick saves in a win over Kearney. The shootout went nine rounds in that matchup.
On Wednesday, Platte County trailed 1-0 at halftime against Staley but eventually took the lead through junior forward Kayden Roy’s goal in the 46th minute and the go-ahead tally from Noller with just 3 minutes, 23 seconds left in regulation. Sullins sent in a free kick from out near the midfield line with Noller going high to loop a header over the Falcons’ goalkeeper.
However, Staley equalized in the closing seconds, and the score remained tied 2-2 through two halves of sudden death overtime. The Falcons won the shootout 8-7.
