Sun Sep 15 11:00:00 UTC 2024: ## Fort Zumwalt South Bulldogs Secure Victory in High School Champions League Opener

**Fenton, MO** – Fort Zumwalt South Bulldogs emerged victorious in their opening game of the St. Louis High School Champions League, defeating Summit Falcons 1-0 at Summit High School on Saturday.

The game was a tight affair, with both teams battling fiercely in the midfield. The deciding goal came from senior defender Andrew Presson, who took a chance on a free kick from 35 yards out. The shot, seemingly catching the Falcons’ goalkeeper Jack Loeffelman off guard, found the back of the net.

“I was going to just play it into the box, into the mix, but it looked like we had a screen on the goalie,” said Presson, describing his decision to shoot instead of playing the ball into the box. “I hit it pretty well and I was obviously happy it went in.”

Zumwalt South coach Jim Layne praised Presson’s performance, highlighting his leadership and growth over the past two years. “Good for him. Andrew’s been a rock in the back for us the last couple of years. He’s taken on a leadership role and it’s great to see guys like that move up the ranks and establish themselves.”

Summit coach Tom Wade acknowledged the mistake by Loeffelman, but emphasized the Falcons’ continued fight throughout the game. “He’s our leader, our rock back there,” Wade said. “We battled the rest of the way and I thought we were going to get one back later. But it just didn’t happen for us.”

The victory places Zumwalt South at the top of Pool A with five points, putting them ahead of De Smet, Oakville, and Summit. Pool A competition will continue with doubleheaders on September 25th at De Smet and September 28th at Fort Zumwalt South.

The Pool A champion will compete in the semifinals on October 16th, with the winners advancing to the title match on October 19th at the Creve Coeur Soccer Complex.

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