The Iowa Falls-Alden girls soccer team battled to the finish falling in extra time 1-0 at #12 (2A) Marion in a Class 2A Region 1 semifinal on Wednesday, as aired on 104.9 KLMJ.
The Cadets defensive teamwork kept the Marion offense out of rhythm. The Wolves responded with the same defensive intensity throughout the match. Each team was held to only two shots on goal apiece during regulation. The match remained scoreless forcing overtime. The 10 minute overtime period was evenly matched for the first six minutes, until the Wolves set up a fastbreak opportunity for top scorer Maggie Utsinger, who then fired in the winning goal with 3:24 remaining.
Head Coach Morgan Vierkandt on how this was the Cadets best match of the year.
“We knew it was going to be a tough one going forward, so we really focused on working our shapes, working our lines and getting everybody into the right position at all times. I kind of shortened our line up a little bit. I think I only maybe played 12 girls total. Those 12 girls absolutely did everything on the field, it was really fantastic to watch,” says Vierkandt. “This was our best opponent of year. This was our best game of the year. We had a few opportunities at goal. It’s really hard knowing that one goal would have won it. They just ended up squeaking through to get one there in overtime.”
This was the final match for five seniors including Karen Lozano, Adessa Gillespie, Brenna Krukow, Lillyana Palacios and Olivia Brogden.
The Cadets conclude the season at 12-5 overall.
