Normal Community defeats M-S Soccer, despite late-game comback

By Fred Kroner

The Bulldogs got off to a slow start in their girls’ soccer home-opener on Thursday (April 22), falling behind Class 3A powerhouse Normal Community 3-0 before rallying to cut the deficit to a final score of 3-2.

Cayla Koerner scored both of the M-S goals, the first on an assist from Grace Lietz and the second with an assist from Sydney Young.

“It initially looked like it was going to be a blowout,” M-S coach Jeremy Davis said, taking note of the lead Normal Community after the first 20 minutes. “The Lady Bulldogs kept their heads and for many of them, got their first-start jitters out.

“They went on to control most of the game, and battle back. The Bulldogs kept the pressure on, but were unable to find the equalizer in the final 15 (minutes).”

Many squad members saw action in the opener.

“Throughout the first half, the Bulldogs went to the bench to look for a spark,” Davis said. “Sydney Young was initially called up to dress due to a teammate’s injury, but the freshmen played her way into significant time.”

On Saturday (April 24), the Bulldogs overcame a one-goal halftime deficit to earn a 2-1 triumph at Normal University High.

Davis said he didn’t need to make a lot of adjustments during intermission.

“Mahomet didn’t look to adjust much at half, as they played pretty well in the first half,” Davis said. “The ladies came out with amazing intensity after coming out a bit flat in their opener.

“They had three strong shots in the first 2 ½ minutes (of the game). They kept up the pressure with a tangy high press in Normal’s defensive third. While they moved the ball around well, and kept most of the possession, they were unable to put one in the back of the net.”

Their fortunes changed after the break.

M-S scored the equalizing goal on a free kick from 30 yards by Nyah Biegler.

“With the slick grass, she chose to hammer it low and slid the ball past the keeper to tie the game,” Davis said.

The eventual game-winner came on a pass from Koerner to Brea Benson.

M-S (1-1) returns to action on Tuesday (April 27) at home against Taylorville.

In the junior varsity match on Thursday, M-S and Normal Community fought to a 1-1 draw.