Aberdeen Central wanted to play slower, managed to score quickly, and held off Sioux Falls Washington on Tuesday afternoon.

The Golden Eagles scored a pair of goals in the first 14 minutes on the way to a 2-1 non-conference girls’ soccer victory at Brownell Activities Complex.

“We always talk about those first five minutes will set the tone for us, and the fact that we got that goal right away helped us get into the groove,” said Central coach Kendra Hanley. “However, one of the big points for this match was not necessarily force, force, force, but to try and be patient. … We did a lot more resetting, and regrouping and then going forward, so it wasn’t as fast-paced game as it normally is, because we were looking from a different approach, being patient and going forward.”

Central played more of a possession game, moving the ball around and waiting for prime scoring opporunities.

“Sometimes we get jittery and we just like to force the ball, kind of get it off our feet, because we’re not comfortable holding it all the time,” said senior captain Keyana Stillman. “But once we hold it, it gives time for our runners to make those runs and make them quality, so that we’re able to play the ball and not lose it all the time.”

It was Stillman who found the back of the net before the fans barely had a chance to settle into their seats. She scored in the third minute of the contest with Central playing with the wind.

“I ran down the line and then I got it at my feet and she was off balance,” Stillman said of the Washington goalkeeper, “so I just cut in and hit it. I think it was a little too hard for her to settle, and the wind probably pushed it in a little for me.”

The Golden Eagles had a choice of sides and decided to take the wind in the opening half. It worked out well as the hosts built a two-goal advantage.

“We always, it seems, play into the wind the first half and we kind of get on our heels,” Stillman said, “but it was nice to start with it today to get some momentum and some early goals.”

Central received a goal from Jaxi Lozesnki in the 14th minute. Both of the team’s goals came off of assists from Brianna Fischer.

From there, the Golden Eagles were up to the task, allowing just one goal in the middle of the second half.

Senior captain Paige Ewalt said the goal for the defense is pretty standard for each contest.

“The goal is always the same. We just need to get the ball up to our forwards. They can work their magic up there. They get us those goals,” Ewalt said. “We just talk as a defense. We connect really well I think, especially with our five back, having our wingbacks coming back and help us, it really works well.”

Once Central does allow a rare goal, it becomes personal, according to Ewalt.

“I definitely say for our defense, when we get a goal on us, we’re like OK, lets work 10 times harder. Let’s get that ball back up there. Let’s get this goal back,” Ewalt said. “I think it definitely picks up the game of play and the pressure of how we’re playing. That goal is personal. Let’s get it back now.”

Central’s style of play on offense, also impacted the defense. Ewalt explained how the Golden Eagles have a bit more time to prepare when the team possesses the ball.

“If we can possess the ball, we can drop it back more, switch fields easier, and it’s not so much pressure right on your back,” Ewalt said. “It’s like OK, let’s take the ball, take a breath, look at the field, who do we have open for options?”

The Golden Eagles improved to 9-2 on the season. Hanley said the team still needs to come out with something to prove each time it hits the pitch.

“We talked about how we have to take every game and play and prove ourselves,” Hanley said. “Every game is worth proving. I felt like they did that today.”

Central is down to three regular season games remaining before the playoffs and the players said they can tell that in practice.

“We’ve really been focusing at practice and not just messing around,” Stillman said, “and trying to zone in on the silly mistakes.”

The Golden Eagles host unbeaten Pierre on Thursday at 6 p.m.

“It’s not so much get the goal aspect, we’re working together as a team to work the ball forward and keep our momentum going forward,” Ewalt said. “I think that’s really important for Pierre.”

Hanley was pleased with her team’s performance on Tuesday and is ready for more solid competition as the team prepares for the playoffs. Central’s final three games are against Pierre, Watertown and O’Gorman.

“We’re excited. We always like those competitive games,” Hanley said. “Those are the games you really look forward to, just some good soccer.”

Sioux Falls Washington 0 1 – 1

Aberdeen Central 2 0 – 2

First Half: 1, AC, Keyana Stillman (Brianna Fischer), 3rd minute; 2, AC, Jaxi Lozenski (Fischer), 14th minute.

Second Half: 3, SFW, Josie Pritchett, 56th minute.

Shots on Goal: Sioux Falls Washington 5; Aberdeen Central 15.

Goalies: Sioux Falls Washington, Ava Larson (6 saves); Aberdeen Central, Ava Beck (4 saves).