21 September 2013

Girls Soccer: No tie this time; Tigers blank NP

Isabelle Ferm (photo by J. Lindquist)
With three ties on her team's ledger already, coach Tracie Randall made some lineup moves to help generate a little more offense.

Most of the switches paid dividends as the Tigers blanked New Prague 2-0 Thursday at Tiger Stadium.

The win raised Farmington's record to 6-2-3 and a perfect 3-0 in Missota Conference play.

"It was a fun night for us," Randall said. "All of the seniors started for us in honor of homecoming week...The girls focused on quick passes to keep possession."

One of Randall's moves paid off in the form of a first half goal. Nicole Doran, who is making the transition from defense to offense, found the net off a pass from Destiny Schmitz.

"Nicole has speed so I decided to play her up top to see if we could get more balls in the back of the net," Randall said.

Randall said she emphasized play in the middle of the field to keep the pressure off the defense and the strategy seemed to work.  Kali Allard and Kelly Kornmann were especially successful in that role.

Regular midfielder Hannah Miller made a mid-game switch with Kornmann, moving up to an attacker position.

"Kelly's eloquent touches and Hannah's explosive shot are a good combination," Randall said.

Megan Graham (photo by Jim Lindquist)
The Tiger coach also praised the midfield play of Rachael Welzin and Jennifer Miller.

The second half goal came on a header by all-stater Isabelle Ferm off a perfect corner kick by Megan Graham.

Ashley Becker worked the Tigers nets and recorded the shutout, her fourth of the season.

Randall said she will continue to look for the winning combination of players and positions.

"We're looking at how we can win, where our needs can best be met and by whom," she said.

The Tigers get back on the field Tuesday when they travel to Chaska for a Missota Conference game. Thursday they host Chanhassen at Tiger Stadium.