Heartbreak.  That was evident on the faces of the Tiger soccer players, coaches, and fans Tuesday night after a narrow 3-2 loss at Joplin.  A close game turned Waynesville's direction with 18:33 remaining when DJ Kaaihue headed in an Austin Cartwright corner kick for a 2-1 lead.  The Tigers fought to hold on to the lead as they tired in the waning minutes.  Joplin, deeper on the bench and a bit more rested, tied the game on a penalty kick with 2:58 left.  Joplin's Tom Hernandez pressured the Tigers moments later, intercepted a pass, and dribbled it downfield for the winning goal just minutes later.

WHS took an initial lead when Brandon Hofmann scored off a short pass from Jeremiah Soria nine minutes into the game.  That came after the Tigers' third straight corner kick, a stat that Waynesville dominated with 12 to Joplin's one during the game.  Joplin tied the game eight minutes later and it was 1-1 at halftime. 

The Eagles twice had goals denied by offside calls, and a third opportunity careened off the crossbar.  Freshman goalkeeper Isaac Swanson  made a big play early in the second half when he rushed out and smothered a breakaway just as the attacker was about to shoot.   Swanson finished with five saves for the Tigers. 

Tiger Coach Mike Armstrong described the Tiger effort as their "best game of the year" despite the loss.  Armstrong also praised senior midfielder Hofmann for his  continued fine play. 

In the the JV preliminary game, Joplin scored with six minutes remaining to edge the Tigers 1-0.