by Amber Williamson, Blue Dragon Head Girls Soccer Coach
The Blue Dragon soccer team traveled to Huron for a matchup with the Tigers on Thursday. Looking to build on their victory against Groton, they fell short in the first half and were down 1-0 at halftime. The Dragons rallied in the second half after a handball in the box led to a penalty kick scored by Allison Ebbing. Riley Altman found Madison Ljunggren on a run inside the 18 yard box in the final 10 minutes of the game to put the dragons ahead 2-1. Multiple Dragons got in on the offensive charge with Ljunggren, Ebbing, Riley Altman, Joely Sterud, and Jordyn Williams each with one shot on goal. Morgan Damman and Paige Sterud ended the game with 2 shots each. Rachel Kindt, an outside defender, was able to get in on the offensive attack and had four shots on goal. Raegen Altman rounded out the scoring for the varsity match with six shots on goal.
Following the varsity match, the JV took the field and got out to an early lead eventually tallying a 5-0 victory over the Huron Tigers. Recording a shutout in goal for the Dragons, and sharing the duties each half, were Nobel Nothstine and Oliviyah Thornton. Joely Sterud scored two goals and Thornton bended in a corner kick for a goal. Jordyn Williams scored off a cross from J.Sterud and Leigha Lacey split the Tiger defense with a beautiful ball, and found Tori Lodmell, who finished with a goal and rounded out the scoring for the day.
Saturday the Blue Dragons took on the Tea Area Titans, who were runner up in the state tournament last year. Looking to earn a little respect after last years’ regular season match up, the Blue Dragons came out strong and defensively sound. Jayden Clark, Kaycie King, Tori Lodmell, and Rachel Kindt anchored the defensive back line. Kayla Genzlinger had 15 saves as goalie and Jenna VanHolland assisted with balls out of the air as the defensive center mid. Leigha Lacey and Miriam Pickard also provided valuable defensive minutes in the game. Tea pulled ahead 2-0 at half after scoring off a header and capitalizing on a Penalty Kick. The Lady Dragons started the second half determined to hold the Titans and look for more offensive opportunities. Allison Ebbing had the lone corner kick, Raegen Altman recorded one shot on goal and Madi Ljunggren had two. Despite the low number of shots on goal, the Dragons were able to penetrate the Titans back line and have multiple opportunities the second half. Defensively they held off Tea and the game ended in an 0-2 loss.
The Blue Dragons are now 2-1-1 on the season and take on Sioux Falls Christian Tuesday Aug. 27th @5:00pm at the Garretson Sports Complex. (Results not available by press time).
