While there was plenty of action on the pitch, there was no scoring Tuesday afternoon at Brownell Activities Complex.

Aberdeen Central and Tea Area ended up in a scoreless draw during an Eastern South Dakota Conference girls’ soccer contest.

As is often the case, the wind played a key factor in the game. While the Golden Eagles failed to score with the wind in the opening half, they also produced some scoring opportunities while going into the wind in the second half.

“The girls played a lot better. They played a full game. We didn’t have any letdowns,” said Central coach Merle Aske. “We had a couple of mistakes, where they got looks, but we didn’t have breakdowns where realistically they were in on goal and we weren’t defending the whole half. That was a big key. We talked about that a lot, you can’t be defending 40 minutes a game just because the wind’s blowing.”

Interestingly enough, one of Central’s best chances to score came about nine minutes into the second half, playing into the wind. The Golden Eagles put a shot on frame and the ball ricocheted off of multiple feet before the Titans were eventually able to clear the ball out.

“The wing dribbled it in and it was really close, she almost scored,” said Central senior Kamryn Arnesen, one of the players battling in front of the net. “They tried kicking it out and then we got it back and tried shooting it again, but then they blocked it again and got it out.”

Tea Area also had a solid chance with about eight minutes remaining, but had its attempt sail just wide of the goal.

The Golden Eagles tried to keep pressure on the Titans goal in the opening 40 minutes, and then worked their passing game to control possession going into the wind.

“When we were going with the wind, we really had (the ball) on our end when it got booted,” said Central junior Kaylee Kiesow. “When we were going against the wind, it was more we have to work on our touches and make sure it goes forward. The wind is an advantage for sure.”

The Golden Eagles used teamwork to get the ball in positions where they could do some damage.

“We just move ball around and make runs, so we can try to get up the field and score together,” Arnesen said.

Aske was pleased with his team’s ability to connect on those passes and make the most of their chances.

“They did a good job of staying organized and getting the ball where we want it,” Aske said. “We just have to be able to break down that last pass and get the ball in a more dangerous position in front of the net.”

Central, 4-4-2 on the season, is in a battle for important playoff positioning which will determine who gets to host first-round games. The Golden Eagles play host to Sioux Falls Lincoln in another key contest on Thursday.

“We can’t really worry about the standings from where we’re at now,” Aske said. “If we can get some wins against people that are ahead of us yet, we can sneak up a couple of spots and at least get to host one.”

Kiesow talked about the goals as the team heads into the final four regular-season games.

“Just to get up in the standings and win games,” she said, “and peak at the right time of the season.”

Tea Area 0 0 – 0

Aberdeen Central 0 0 – 0

Shots: Tea Area 15 shots, 5 on goal; Aberdeen Central 19 shots, 10 on goal.

Goalies: Tea Area Abby Munson (10 saves); Aberdeen Central (5 saves.