The Caledonia/Spring Grove/Houston soccer girls (1-5, 1-4 TRC) scored only one goal during three games last week, but that lone goal appeared to be worth a win against La Crescent-Hokah until a penalty kick goal tied the score with three minutes to play. That disappointment was magnified when the Lancers, with a brisk wind at their backs, scored the winning goal with 10 seconds remaining. That late gut-punch 2-1 loss came after 2-0 and 4-0 shutouts against Stewartville and St. Charles/Lewiston-Altura, respectively.
Photo by Lee Epps
Stewartville 2, C/SG/H 0
On Sept. 13, the visiting Tigers scored with a close-in goal nine minutes into the fray – a score that would hold until halftime. “We were able to run with them for most of the game,” said Warrior coach Chris Jandt, “but were not able to break the back line to get any decent shots on the (goal)keeper. The game continued as a dog fight through the midfield, and Stewartville put the final touches with two minutes left in the game to pull the score to 2-0.”
In this non-conference clash, the Tigers outshot C/SG/H 18 to 3 with Warrior goalkeeper Josie Foster making 16 saves.
St. Charles/Lewiston-Altura 4, C/SG/H 0
On Sept. 14 at St. Charles, “Excitement and nerves could be felt across the whole field as it was the first game playing on (artificial) turf this year,” said assistant coach Vivian Seymour. “It took a while for the team to adapt to the speed.”
The Saints led 2-0 at halftime and added the third goal on a header before taking a crossing pass to close the scoring. Foster saved 21 of 25 SC/LA shots, while the Warriors attempted only three shots on goal.
“The girls played hard, added Seymour, ”but we were not at our best, and it showed. We have a few things to work on at practices to see if we can apply them to games.”
La Crescent-Hokah 2, C/SG/H 1
Back home on Sept. 16, an excellent shot to the bottom left corner of the goal by Ayshia Gay put the Warriors ahead 1-0 eight minutes into the game. That margin held until the Lancers were awarded a penalty kick with 3:08 remaining in the contest. Foster guessed correctly and diving to her left could not quite reach a perfect low shot.
With only 10 seconds left to play, La. Crescent-Hokah beat the defense for the game-winning goal. The Warriors were out-shot 13 to 5 with Foster making 11 saves.
“The girls showed a lot of energy, winning attitude and enthusiasm prior to the game,” said Seymour, “and it was contagious. We started off the game really strong with our passing and held La Crescent(-Hokah) to their side of the field.” After Gay’s goal, “The excitement continued to build as the student section brought a different level of atmosphere. It was great to see a big crowed from the students to be out there for the girls showing their support and excitement.
“Coming into the second half, we knew La Crescent-(Hokah) was going to come at us hard. The game went up and down the field the whole second half with both teams getting opportunities. The girls passed, shot and ran like I’ve never seen before, and it was amazing … The girls played extremely well, and I could not be more proud.”
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Cal/SG/H Girls Soccer 2021
1-5 (1-4 TRC)
W vs. Plainview-Elgin-Millville 3-1
L at Cotter (Winona) 0-12
L vs Dover-Eyota 1-2
L vs. Stewartville 0-2
L at St. Charles/Lewiston-Altura 0-4
L vs. La Crescent-Hokah 1-2
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Tues. Sept. 21 at Plainview-Elgin-Millville
Thur. Sept. 23 Cotter
Sat. Sept. 25 Schaeffer Academy 10 a.m.
Tues. Sept.28 at Dover-Eyota
Thur. Sept. 30 St. Charles/Lewiston-Altura
Sat. Oct. 2 at Cannon Falls 11:30 a.m.
Tues. Oct. 5 at La Crescent-Hokah
Thur. Oct. 7 Triton
Sat. Oct. 9 at Lake City 1:30 p.m.