The Patriots scored two goals set up by corner kicks to earn a 2-0 win over the Majettes Tuesday night at Optimist Soccer Complex.
“It was just our first regular season game, but we stress to the girls that set pieces are important, so we were happy to score off the set pieces (Tuesday)” said Century head coach Sarah McNulty of scoring off of the corner.
Another area McNulty was pleased with her team was in its ability to stay patient against the scrappy defense of Minot High. Century put constant pressure on Minot’s end through the first 20 minutes of the first half, but the Patriots were held scoreless until senior Emily Horner knocked a goal just under 39 minutes into the half.
“That’s another thing that we are stressing to the girls,” said McNulty of the patient attack. “For the first 20 minutes they have to dictate the game, so if they keep up the high energy they’ll be OK.”
Energy wasn’t a problem for the Majettes, as they bounced back from a 1-0 halftime deficit by dominating the action for the first quarter of the second half.
“Effort-wise we were fine tonight,” Majettes head coach Matt Pfau said. “We had a few opportunities to score, but just didn’t capitalize and they get two good crosses and finish them, I guess that’s something we’ll have to work on. But I thought the girls played very well overall.”
Amidst Minot’s constant barrage in the second half, Century’s Kyrsten Wallace broke free and looked to be on her way to goal, but MHS goalie Megan Buchholz came out of the box and stuffed Wallace before she could get the shot off.
Buchholz had 12 saves on the night, with seven coming in the second half.
“She was solid all night for us,” said Pfau of his goalkeeper.
Minot had two solid scoring opportunities in the first 20 minutes of the second half, but it wasn’t able to tie the game and Century’s Bekah Marcis scored the Patriots final goal with 9:50 remaining to seal the win.
“We had two great chances to tie the game, but you could just see the air go out of us when they scored the second one,” Pfau said. “If we get one early, it’s a whole different second half. We dominated the first 15 or so minutes of the second half and looked like the better team. It’s just a matter of getting a few girls to step up and become goal scorers.”
The Majettes will look to get their first win of the season on Friday when they host Jamestown starting at 5:30 p.m.
“Jamestown has been the team that has kept us out of state the past couple of years, so I think the kids will be fired up and ready to go and we need to get a win,” Pfau said.
Article Photos
Jennifer Thorgramson/MDN
Minot High School’s Molly Benning defends against Quin Glaser from Bismarck Century in Tuesday’s game at the Optimist Soccer Complex.