Lady Jays hosting Helias in annual soccer clash

They could really put on a show in tonight's edition of the crosstown showdown.

With the talented squads the Jefferson City Lady Jays and Helias Lady Crusaders bring into the game, it promises to be a high-level contest at the 179 Soccer Park.

"It's going to be a soccer showcase for the talent in Jefferson City," Helias coach Brad Dempsey said. "There's going to be a lot of talent on the field."

Jefferson City (10-3-1) is ranked ninth in the latest Class 3 state poll by the Missouri State High School Soccer Coaches Association. A blend of young talent has meshed well against a pretty good schedule this season.

"We've been able to make things work and have a successful season so far," Jefferson City coach Matt Stacey said.

The Lady Jays, who will be the home team tonight, are coming off a 2-1 performance in last weekend's Tournament of Champions in Burlington, Iowa.

"We saw some top-notch teams," Stacey said. "It was a good experience."

Helias (11-6), which blanked Warrensburg 3-0 on Monday night, is receiving votes in the Class 2 state poll.

"When you think Class 2 soccer, you have to believe Helias is going to make a deep run," Stacey said.

Stacey believes Helias' edge in veterans may give the Lady Crusaders an edge tonight.

"They've got experience, we've got youth," he said. "I think that may be one thing in their favor."

Dempsey isn't necessarily buying into that.

"I don't know if there are any advantages in this game," he said.

Helias has outscored its opponents 37-19 this season, with 10 of those goals allowed coming in two games. The Lady Crusaders, with Liz Czarnecki primarily in goal, have eight shutouts.

"They're big, strong and athletic," Stacey said. "It's a solid team across the field."

Jefferson City has a 39-11 scoring edge against its opponents. With Becca Sturgess seeing a majority of the time in goal, the Lady Jays have seven shutouts.

"They have some very good goal scorers and nice goalkeeping," Dempsey said. "One thing that really stands out is how hard they play."

Action begins with the junior varsity game at 5 p.m., with the varsity to follow around 6:45 p.m.

"It's a fun game for the kids, rivalry games always are," Stacey said.

Helias won last year's meeting 2-0 on its home field.

"(Jefferson City has) proven they're good all season long," Dempsey said. "We feel like we've proven we're good. You know all of the girls are going to be ready to put on a show."

It will be a Pink-Out game tonight. During the game, a 50-50 raffle will be held with proceeds going to local cancer charities.