By ISAAC DEER
TopSports.news
Seaman and De Soto's soccer teams turned in terrific defensive efforts on Monday night at Seaman, battling to a 1-1 draw.
Offensively, it was a fairly quiet night for both schools.
Seaman’s Brooklyn Yingling kicked in a goal with 35:11 in the first half for the Vikings' only goal of the night.
“I thought our team was lucky to hold on long enough for the tie,” Seaman coach Tim Nussbaum said. “We didn’t play nearly as well as we are capable of and I hope we are able to bring more intensity into the next game.”
Seaman's Carstyn Anderson (right) defends De Soto's Isabelle Jones in Monday's 1-1 soccer tie at Seaman. [Photo by Isaac Deer/TSN]
Seaman's Kinley Wilhelm (left) throws the ball in for the Vikings Monday night against De Soto. The Vikings and Wildcats battled to a 1-1 tie. [Photo by Isaac Deer/TSN]
Nussbaum emphasized the word intensity during the breaks between the overtime periods.
“We need to bring more intensity into the next game,” Nussbaum said. “We had three players bring it tonight, but we need more. We need all 18 of our girls to bring the same energy our leaders had into the next game. If we can do that, we will win more.
“Short-term memory, tomorrow we will play better.”
Freshman goalkeeper Maegan Mills was one of those leaders mentioned by Nussbaum.
Mills was a brick wall and prevented a high-flying De Soto offense from causing some serious damage.
“She’s been terrific for us all season,” Nussbaum said. “She pushes everyone to be better. The battle for our goalkeepers has been intense, but she has been amazing for us. She makes the team better.”
While Mills had a remarkable night, De Soto was able to kick in one goal that looked nearly impossible to convert.
Gracie Smith tied the game 1-1 on a crossed kick that hit the back post to knock the ball in. Smith’s goal took place with 24:00 to go in the second half.
Seaman and De Soto’s defense was superb after that. Notably, Taylin Stallbaumer and Carstyn Anderson were able to kick out the ball multiple times when De Soto was near the goal.
In overtime, the ball only got into De Soto’s goal territory a total of three times. De Soto’s hounding defense made it difficult for Seaman to beat them to the goal.
Seaman’s defense was just as tough and physical. Physical defense from Anna Becker and Kinley Wilhelm forced De Soto to take a lot of uncomfortable shots.
In the end, Seaman and De Soto wouldn’t be able to break the tie.
Seaman will hit the road Tuesday as the Vikings look for a Centennial League victory against Emporia.
SEAMAN 1, DE SOTO 1
Seaman 1 0 0 0 – 1
De Soto 0 1 0 0 – 1
Seaman – Goal: Yingling. De Soto – Goal: Smith.
