It's taken quite a while, longer actually than many had hoped; but the Waynesville boys soccer team advanced to the state tournament for the first time Thursday night with a 1-0 win over Springfield Central  at Parkview's Kennedy Stadium.   The school's first district championship came in the 26th year of the program's existence. On nine previous occasions the Tigers had to settle for a second place plaque, but that came to an end with a Caleb Rodriguez goal in the 70th minute. 

Second-seeded Central put up a fight by stacking its defense and playing the long ball forward whenever possible.  The strategy frustrated Waynesville as the Tigers found it difficult to find a clear shot on offense and on their heels defensively against Central's quick-shot attack.  But senior goal keeper Jon Moore  turned away all six Central shots on goal and numerous others were wide or high. 

Both teams turned up the intensity after a scoreless first half.  Central sailed a direct kick just above the bar from 22 yards out four minutes into the second half.  Moments later Waynesville's Tremayne Watterson dribbled the ball through an open midfield space and sent a nice pass forward to Rodriguez.  With his back to the goal, Rodriguez first turned right, then turned left, and returned to his right for a shot that sailed just above the crossbar.  With 18:27 remaining, Central put a powerful first-touch shot just wide of the right post, and then it was the Tigers' turn again.  Senior right wing Mark Ortiz found himself wide open near midfield with the ball at his feet.  Ortiz took off with a great run down the sideline.  As pressure appeared he sent a long perfect pass up to Rodriguez who beat the onrushing keeper to end 26 years of frustration for Tiger soccer players, fans, and coaches.  When time expired ten minutes later, the Tigers erupted with joy on the field which was rushed by a large number of WHS students who had made the trip to support their team.  Tiger Coach Mike Armstrong, doused with ice water, said after the game, "Doesn't feel real yet.  We've been fighting for this for so long."  Believe it.  It's real. 

Across town, Kickapoo shutout Nixa 4-0 to win the Class 4 District 10 Tournament.  The Tigers will return to Springfield for a rematch with their Ozark Conference foe on Tuesday at The Poo in their first-ever state tournament appearance.