Pelican Rapids spoils Crookston Pirate Girls Soccer’s senior night

The Crookston Pirates Girls soccer team fell to the Pelican Rapids Vikings 1-0 on senior night in a Section 8A matchup played at KROX Radio Stadium in Crookston.

FIRST HALF –
The first half was defensive clinic by both teams. Anna Heldstab found herself in the passing lanes more than once, deflecting and redirecting the Vikings’ attempted passes. Crookston’s first real offensive opportunity came within the first 12 minutes of the game. Kinsley Wangen received the pass in the slot, turning and shooting it towards the net. The Vikings goalkeeper made a diving stop. The Vikings spent the next 11 minutes in the Crookston third, each time unable to get a shot on the net thanks to great defensive plays from Anna Heldstab and Allison Abeld. With just 9 minutes to go in the first half, the Vikings received a corner kick. It was a low shot, and bounced to Emma Villagomez. Her shot missed by inches. Crookston had a late offensive surge, firing off multiple shots and pinning the Vikings’ defense deep in their defending zone. Jennika Reese received the pass from Brooklyn Waldal, firing it towards the net. Another diving save from Bella Miller denied her. With 20 seconds on the clock, the Pirates had the opportunity with a corner kick. The pass went long and was cleared as the horn sounded, by the Vikings, and the half ended with both teams tied at 0-0.

SECOND HALF –
The second half saw a resurgence from the Pirates, who seemed to be reenergized from the final minute of the first half. Eight minutes into the half, Crookston’s Madelyn Knutson was tackled from behind in prime territory to score. Brooklyn Waldal lined up for the kick and blasted it over the wall towards the net. The Vikings’ goalkeeper saved it, but she had trouble with the rebound, and it fell out of bounds for another Crookston corner kick. Waldal took the corner kick as well. After more Crookston chances, Kira Daniels knocked down a low goal kick and had an open lane to the net. She took the shot but missed. A few minutes later, Pelican Rapids broke through the Pirates’ back line and had a wide-open path to the goal, with a breakaway chance. Ellie Carlson didn’t miss, keeping the ball on the ground and shoving it past an outstretched Shyuh Burnette for the score. Crookston never got another chance, and time ticked off the clock to end the game with Pelican Rapids winning the game 1-0.

Crookston falls to 1-5, and will host the Walker-Hackensach-Akeley Wolves on Saturday, September 13th. The Pelican Rapids Vikings improve to 1-4-1.

Click below for Head Coach Sarah Reese’s comments: