Submitted by Amber Williamson, Coach
The Garretson Blue Dragon soccer team kicked off their season at home against Vermillion on Friday, August 16th. After losing to Vermillion in the last minute of the game to end the Blue Dragons season last year in playoffs, the team was looking to bounce back. Nobel Nothstine got the start in goals, followed by Kayla Genzlinger taking over goalie duties for the game. The Tanagers took the lead in the first half 1-0 after a shot skirted past Genzlinger from outside the 18 yard box. Garretson came out hard the second half to even the game up 1-1 on a corner kick from Allison Ebbing that was knocked in by Jenna VanHolland, tying the game at 1- 1. Ebbing tallied a shot on goal, along with Riley Altman. Madison Ljunggren attempted two shots on goal that just fell short of crossing the goal line. After 80 minutes the score remained 1-1. The Blue Dragons take on Vermillion again on September 17th in Vermillion.
On Saturday the team traveled to Groton to take on the Tigers. The Dragons were focused on capitalizing on offensive opportunities and took a 4-0 lead in the first half. Allison Ebbing and Jenna VanHolland both scored one verses one break aways with the goalie, Morgan Damman scored off a cross in the 18 yard box and Ebbing rounded off the scoring, with her second goal of the game, off a direct kick outside of the 18 yard box.
Multiple blue dragons got in on the offensive charge the second half. Rachel Kindt, Jayden Clark, Joely Sterud, and Paige Sterud each had one shot on goal.
Riley Altman ended the game with two shots on goal and Jordyn Williams finished with 3 shots on goal.
The Blue Dragon defense was able to hold the Tigers scoreless with Kayla Genzlinger in goal and Kaycie King and Tori Lodmell anchoring the defense. The final score was 4-0, and the Lady Dragons started the season off 1-0-1.
Our next home game is August 27th against Sioux Falls Christian.
