Izzie Ferm (top) led defense in first-ever win over Stars
(photos by Jim Lindquist)
After back-to-back 2-1 losses to Chanhassen and Shakopee the Tigers were looking for a boost when they traveled to Holy Angels for a Missota Conference match-up Tuesday, September 27.
They found it in the form of a 1-0 upset victory over the Stars, the No. 7 Class A team in the state. The win was Farmington's first-ever over the perennial state power.
"The girls showed up for this game in every aspect, mentally and physically," coach Rob Carpentier said. "After the game the Holy Angels coach said that he hasn't played a team this season that put as much pressure all over the field as we did."
The teams hit the halftime break in a scoreless tie with Kelli Harstad's first goal of the year, a wicked shot from the top right corner of the box off a pass from Alex Frost, providing the difference in the second period.
After the goal, the Stars amped up the pressure but the Farmington defense and keeper Sydney Eckert kept Holy Angels (7-3-1) off the board.
"It actually looked more like we might add a goal than they would tie it up," Carpentier said. "In the end, the score wasn't as important as how we played. The improved play of our team as we get closer to the playoffs is what counted most."
According to Carpentier, one player who didn't show up in the box score had a noticeable impact on the outcome of the game.
"Izzie Ferm stood out," he said. "She dominated the field both on the ground and in the air. She took the lead for our defense which played very well as a team. Izzie probably won 60 percent of the balls in the air, a category where we suffered badly in the last game against Shakopee."
The Tigers won't have much time to savor their historical victory in Richfield as Eagan, the No. 7 rated Class AA side in the state, invades Tiger Stadium Thursday for a non-conference affair.
"This will be a win-win for us," Carpentier said. "There should be no pressure on us, just an opportunity to see where we stand against one of the best teams in the state."
