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‘We did a lot of things right’: No. 2 Jaguars outplay No. 3 Valley, but suffer 1-0 loss

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Ankeny Centennial’s Olivia Kroska goes on a run with the ball during Tuesday’s game against visiting Valley. Kroska took nine of her team’s 22 shots, but the Jaguars were unable to find the net in a 1-0 loss. (Photo courtesy of Robin Litchfield)

The better team on the soccer pitch doesn’t always walk away with the win.

That was likely the case on Tuesday at Ankeny Centennial, where the second-ranked Jaguars outplayed No. 3 Valley for most of the CIML Conference game but eventually dropped a 1-0 decision in the top-five girls’ showdown.

“We did a lot of things right, but didn’t see the payoff in the result,” said Centennial coach Chris Allen. “We generated more corners, more shots, more shots on goal, won more balls in the air, and spent more time with the ball than Valley did. But in the end, teams are playing to win–not just have the ball. And credit to Valley; they executed on one of their three chances on goal.

Ankeny Centennial’s Mady Postma battles for the ball during Tuesday’s game. (Photo courtesy of Robin Litchfield)

“With the talent in the CIML, that moment of execution can be the difference,” he added.

The Jaguars outshot Valley by a 22-7 margin, but were unable to find the net. It was the 10th clean sheet for the Tigers, who have allowed only four goals all year.

Valley scored the game’s only goal at the 62:43 mark when sophomore Olivia Rotich connected from deep. Rotich, who has accounted for 12 of the Tigers’ 32 goals this season, ranks seventh among the scoring leaders in Class 3A.

Ankeny Centennial goalkeeper Rylee Litchfield dives in an effort to make a save during Tuesday’s game. (Photo courtesy of Robin Litchfield)

The win was the fourth in a row for Valley, which improved to 4-1-1 in the conference and 11-2-1 overall. The loss ended a four-game winning streak for the Jaguars, whose records dropped to 3-2 and 7-2.

“It was a rough night if only judged by the result,” Allen said. “The girls have played really well all season thus far, and have been in control of most of the games. Our challenge is how we respond in going a goal down and even how we respond to losing a tough, close game. We need to dig in together, keep our heads, and stay united through the tough moments.”

Allen said he has watched a lot of film on other teams this season. He thinks the Jaguars are the most complete side.

Ankeny Centennial’s Ava Martin looks to pass the ball during Tuesday’s game. (Photo courtesy of Robin Litchfield)

“We just need to stay the course, trust and play for one another, learn and move on,” Allen said. “This loss doesn’t change my perspective.”

Centennial will play in the Tournament of Champions on Friday and Saturday at Bettendorf.

Ankeny Centennial’s Adeline Kroska is knocked to the turf by Valley’s Morgan Nichols during Tuesday’s game. (Photo courtesy of Robin Litchfield)