The Crookston Pirates Girls’ soccer team played a great second half, but gave up four first-half goals in a 4-0 loss to the Fergus Falls Hillcrest Academy Comets. The Comets won the Section 8A matchup 4-0 in Fergus Falls.
FIRST HALF –
Fergus Falls Hillcrest started the game strong and took advantage of Crookston coming out flat. Hillcrest scored two goals in the first seven minutes for a 2-0 lead. Hillcrest added another goal 10 minutes later for a 3-0 lead less than halfway through the half. The teams played even for the rest of the half, and Crookston had six shots on goal, but couldn’t find the back of the net. Hillcrest found the net with three minutes left in the half to take a 4-0 lead into halftime. “It was a good game after the first 17 minutes. We had a rough start and came out flat,” said Pirate Coach Sarah Reese. “I was glad we could turn it around, create offense, and get some shots on goal the rest of the half.”
SECOND HALF –
Neither team scored in the second half, and Hillcrest outshot Crookston 7-3, but both goalkeepers were up to the task. “Crookston’s Kambree Wangen continues to fill in for the injured Shyuh Burnette in goal and made 14 saves in the game. “She has been put in a difficult situation and is making the best of it,” said Coach Reese. “She comes out for the ball, is highly coachable, applying skills learned in practice and bringing them into the game.”
Kira Daniels had a solid game for the Pirates. “She played an excellent game at forward,” said Coach Reese. “She was scanning the field, came back for the ball and had some quick turns.”
Kinsley Wangen had a solid all-around game. “She is a reliable, solid presence in the center,” said Coach Reese. “She is an unsung hero.”
Anna Heldstab had a great game on the defensive side of the ball. “She was a good communicator today and had good team defense with Jennika Reese at outside mid,” said Coach Reese. “They helped step it up after a flat start.”
Crookston drops to 1-8 on the year and will host Fergus Falls High School on Thursday at 5:00 p.m. KROX will video stream the game.
| 1st | 2nd | Final | |
| Crookston | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Hillcrest Academy | 4 | 0 | 4 |
Scoring –
4:00 – FFHC – Alexa Ewan
7:00 – FFHC – Cece Wachlarowicz
17:00 – FFHC – Dakota Campbell
37:00 – Mari Fjeldskaar
| SAVES | 1 | 2 | Final |
| Kambree Wangen – Crox | 7 | 7 | 14 |
| Mckinlee Ballweg – FFHC | 6 | 3 | 9 |