The Ankeny Centennial girls’ soccer team survived its biggest test of the season.
The top-ranked Jaguars scored a goal in each half and posted a 2-0 victory at No. 12 Urbandale on Thursday. It was the CIML Conference opener for both teams.
“It was good for us to get a CIML game under our belts,” said Centennial coach Chris Allen. “I thought Urbandale looked great–speedy and gritty–and countered well. We faced some tests that will require us to evaluate our shape and decisions, but the team has to be proud of the result, going into their stadium and facing great pressure yet securing the win.”
Centennial goalkeeper Kate Bergan made six saves in the triumph, including a diving stop in the 56th minute that thwarted the J-Hawks’ best scoring opportunity. She had not made a single save in the Jaguars’ first three games.
“We were definitely tested today, but we were able to stay composed to the end and shut them out,” Bergan said.
Senior defender Ella Hudachek called the win a team effort.
“I think our backline was good at communicating with each other and stepping up when we needed to,” she said. “Defensively, we had to deal with them going through us, but we recovered quickly.”
The Jaguars (4-0) took an early lead when Olivia Kroska converted a free kick from just outside the 18 in the 14th minute. It was her second goal of the season.
Urbandale (4-1) trailed by just 1-0 at halftime, but Centennial then scored an insurance goal just 2 minutes into the second half. Averi Porter connected for her first goal of the season off an assist by Alanna Pennington.
“I had an amazing ball from Alanna that got me behind the defense,” Porter said. “I took a touch around the goalie and finished.”
The Jaguars will host a conference game against No. 7 Dowling (1-0) on Tuesday. The Maroons opened their season on Thursday with a 2-0 win at Dallas Center-Grimes, the No. 1 team in Class 2A.
