Panthers are bounced by Beckman


Isabel Williams of Monticello (32) boots the ball between a pair of Dyersville Beckman players in the May 30 regional quarterfinal match at Dyersville. (Photos by Pete Temple)

Monticello goalkeeper Cassie Gillmore goes high to deflect a Beckman shot May 30. Gillmore caught the ball after tipping it into the air.

Megan James of the Panthers turns with the ball in the Beckman match.
GIRLS SOCCER
By: 
Pete Temple
Express Sports Editor

     Despite facing a stiff wind, the Monticello High School girls soccer team played more than 27 minutes of the first half against Dyersville Beckman May 30 and trailed only 2-0.

     The Panthers, facing Beckman on the Trailblazers’ artificial turf field in a Class 3A sub-state quarterfinal match, had hopes of getting through the first half with just the two-goal margin, then turning it around with the wind at their backs in the second half.

     It didn’t work that way. Beckman scored three goals in the final 13 minutes of the half to lead 5-0 at the break.

     Then, in the second half, the Blazers scored five more times – the wind actually died down – and closed out the match with a final score of 10-0.

     The Panthers and goalkeeper Cassie Gillmore did their best to try to keep the match close. Gillmore, under attack for much of the first half, made at least three big saves. One was a high shot that she reached and deflected straight up so she could catch it when it came down.

     On a second one, Gillmore blocked a header taken from close range after a near-perfect pass. Gillmore was able to bat a third shot behind her over the net.

     “In the first half, Beckman took advantage of a strong prevailing wind as they mounted their attack,” Monticello coach Bruce Feuling said. “Our defense played well and only allowed five goals.”

     The only question in the second half was whether the Panthers would be able to finish the match without having the 10-goal “mercy rule” come into effect. They almost made it – Beckman scored its 10th goal with 6:10 remaining.

     “Even though we were able to mount some attacks of our own, we were not able to take any direct shots on their goal,” Feuling said. “All the girls who came to the match were able to play and gain some valuable experience.”

     McKenna Bell was credited with the Panthers’ lone shot attempt of the game.

     The Panthers finished 2-11.

Summer practice

     Summer girls soccer practices will begin Tuesday, June 13, 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the soccer practice field, and is open to all high school students, former high school students and incoming freshmen. Cleats and shin guards are highly recommended, as scrimmages will be held if there are enough participants.

 

 

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