While there were no goals to celebrate, there was an effort to be praised following a scoreless tie between Aberdeen Central and Sioux Falls Jefferson in boys’ soccer Tuesday evening at Brownell Activities Complex.
“I am pumped. I’m more excited than when we beat Spearfish,” said Central coach Lance Mohr following the contest. “What you want to see is those characteristics from a team, because not every team has them. What I saw tonight was a team that’s willing to grind, fight for each other, battle, all the intangible stuff.”
Mohr was pleased with how his team competed against what he feels is one of the best teams in the state. The Cavaliers put up seven goals in their first game of the season, but were unable to dent the scoreboard against the Golden Eagles.
“This result, against what will be one of the better teams in the state, it’s a big game,” Mohr said. “It was a big milestone for us today to get the shutout.”
Central’s defense was up to the task against Jefferson. Part of that was a solid game plan and part of that was executing it.
“We knew what they were going to do and we’ve been practicing for it,” said Central junior defenseman Isaac Stockert. “We were just ready for the balls over the top, because that was their main game plan.”
While Jefferson set the tone early, it was Central that produced solid scoring chances late, gaining confidence as the game wore on.
“They had kind of carried some momentum and started the game off really well, and we kind of grew into it,” Mohr said of the physical battle. “In the middle of the second half towards the end, I thought we created some really good chances.”
Meanwhile, Central’s defense was up to the task against a dangerous Jefferson attack.
Stockert said a key is knowing where you’re at on the field to prevent opposing players from getting behind the defense.
“Just make sure that our backline is ready for anything,” he said, “and make sure that our midfield is ready to defend, also.”
Stockert said the Golden Eagles proved something during the draw on Tuesday.
“It shows that we can play with anyone in the state,” he said.
Central, 2-0-1 on the season, plays at Brookings on Saturday and will take some new-found confidence into that game, according to Mohr.
“We’re going to take this and we’re going to try to run a mile with it,” Mohr said of the scoreless contest, “because that defending was fantastic from us, so it was a great result.”
Sioux Falls Jefferson 0 0 – 0
Aberdeen Central 0 0 – 0
First Half
No scoring
Second Half
No scoring
Shots on Goal: Sioux Falls Jefferson 2; Aberdeen Central 6.
Goalies: Sioux Falls Jefferson, Mattson Wear (6 saves); Aberdeen Central, Camden Fauth (2 saves).
