CROOKSTON GIRL’S SOCCER SHUT OUT AT ST. JOHN’S PREP

Coming off of a last-minute goal scoring victory, the Crookston Pirate Girl’s Soccer team couldn’t find the back of the net as they fell to St. John’s Prep 2-0 in a game played in poor conditions in Collegeville. “It was a highly winnable game, but we couldn’t find the net,” explained Pirates Head Coach Sarah Reese.

Crookston was down several players, including their goalie, leaving them with limited substitutes under sloppy conditions and constant rain. “I am proud of the way the girls came together and made the best of the situation,” said Coach Reese. Crookston did not get anything going in the first half of play on the offensive side of the ball, not registering a shot on goal in the first 40 minutes. Crookston’s defense was up to the task as well allowing just two shots on goal in the half. “Our defense played well together,” added Coach Reese. “They talked, had good ball pressure, and they covered a lot of space as a group.”

The second half got to a quick start for the Johnnies when they scored five minutes into the half. Jaden Perry was able to get free on a corner kick and was able to put it home to give St. John’s Prep a 1-0 lead. Most of the game was played in the middle third of the field with both teams not generating much offense in the wet, muddy conditions. Crookston’s defense continued to keep them in striking distance and a big part of that was Aleah Bienek’s strong play, according to Coach Reese saying, “Playing that outside defense spot she makes incredibly great runs to cut off the time and space their players had.”
St. John’s were able to get a goal late. With two minutes remaining in the game, Sarah Bolton ripped a shot from the right, outside corner and guided it into the far upper corner past Cassie Solheim, who filled in as the goalie for Crookston. “Cassie is a true team player that is willing to do anything for her team,” said Coach Reese. The goal gave St. John’s Prep a 2-0 lead and that score held as the final score.

Crookston falls to 1-2 on the year and will host Pelican Rapids at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday.

Scoring –
45:00 – SJP – Jaden Perry
78:00 – SJP – Sarah Bolton