Panthers have positive start
PLYMOUTH – Although the Plymouth Panthers lost their girls soccer opener here Tuesday afternoon, new head coach Sam Schroeder was encouraged with his team’s performance.
PHS fell to West Bend East, 2-0, in a nonconference match but finished strong after a slow start. The Panthers had possession most of the game but were unable to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
“I thought we had the better run of play. We were able to possess the ball in their end for long stretches and dictate play,” Schroeder said.
“Unfortunately, we were unable to turn that possession into goals. West Bend East worked hard and created offense with their counter attack and finished their chances.”
The Panthers’ attack was stronger in the second half as it applied good pressure on the Suns’ defense. PHS had eight of its nine shots on goal in the final half but sophomore goalkeeper Kassie Franke made some excellent saves for East.
“Franke was probably the player of the game. She made some outstanding saves,” Schroeder said.
Franke had eight of her nine saves in the second half.
PHS freshman midfielder Emily attempted a shot that glanced off a post 13 minutes into the second half. Had the ball found the net, the score would’ve been tied 1-1 and shifted the momentum to the Panthers.
“Had it gone in, I think we would’ve won,” said Schroeder.
Panther sophomore midfielder Christina Schicker had a free kick that almost curled into a corner of the net but Franke was able to push the ball over the top of the goal.
The Suns grabbed a 1-0 lead only 10 minutes into the match on a goal by Kaitlin Harmon off a breakaway. Sydney Kittelson made the assist.
East’s second goal was scored by Mallory Dejno on a breakaway with 14 minutes left. Schroeder thought the match was a good start for his team that has several first-year varsity players.
“We started a little shaky. Once we got into the match, I thought we played really well,” he said.
“We really put them [Suns’ defense] under a lot of pressure in the second half. I think we will improve and learn from our mistakes.”
Schroeder thought his team took advantage of possession better in the second half with more shots on goal.
“We just didn’t finish [on shots] but I give their goalkeeper credit too. We will work on that in practice,” he said.
“Christina had a strong second half in her first varsity match. She recorded five shots – three on goal.
PHS senior goalie Marike Van de Pas was credited with three saves in her varsity debut.
“She was tough and organized things well [for the defense]. She came up with a couple of big saves in the first half,” Schroeder said.
PHS led 9-5 in shots on goal and 3-1 in corner kicks.
Schroeder said he was a little nervous at the beginning of the match but felt good at the end in his coaching debut at PHS.
“I was definitely proud of the girls and how they approached the game, and the way they played,” he said.
| GIRLS SOCCER
| |
| WEST BEND | 2 | |
| EAST | | |
| PLYMOUTH | 0 | |
