Senior defender Evie Boyle has scored a pair of goals while helping the third-ranked Ankeny Centennial girls’ soccer team to a 7-1-1 record this season. The Jaguars went 2-0-1 this weekend at the Tournament of Champions in Bettendorf, capped off by a 2-2 draw against Middleton (Wis.) on Saturday.
Boyle had an assist on Friday as Centennial opened the tournament with a 3-0 victory over Normal (Ill.). She then had another assist, her third of the year, as the Jaguars defeated Waunakee (Wis.), 3-1, later in the day.
Here is some inside info on Boyle:
What did you think of your team’s performance at the Tournament of Champions?
I thought we played really well this weekend. I was super proud of the team—it’s tough to play three games in two days, but I felt like we competed hard in every game, both individually and as a team.
What was the highlight of the weekend?
The highlight was getting to spend time together as a team.
Did you and your teammates have a chance to do anything fun away from the tournament?
We didn’t have much time away from the field because of our schedule, but we still enjoyed some fun team meals, and winning games is always fun.
Your team was coming off a 2-1 loss at No. 2 Valley on Tuesday. What did your team learn from that loss?
I think we learned a lot from that game. We gained great experience on how to bounce back and respond when things don’t go our way, and I think we showed that this weekend.
I was walking in just as the Tigers scored their first goal just 12 seconds into the game. I didn’t see what happened, so how did they score so quickly?
They started the game with a lot of energy and got a good cross into the box that we didn’t clear.
You scored your team’s only goal late in the second half. Can you describe how you scored?
I scored after a short throw-in—I got the ball back in the air, settled it, and hit it to the back post. Honestly, I didn’t even realize I scored until after the game. Gabby (Berger) did a great job crashing the box on that play.
Valley had lost to No. 1 Waukee Northwest by the same score a week earlier. Do you think the Wolves are clearly the best team in Class 3A at this point in the season?
Northwest is a really strong team, and I’m excited to play against them in a couple of weeks.
Your team will host No. 12 Mason City on Monday before playing at No. 6 Waukee in another big CIML Conference game on Friday. Do you know much about either of those opponents?
I’m looking forward to more great competition this week against Mason City and Waukee!
I know your team’s ultimate goal is to win a state championship. What will be the keys for this team to reach its potential?
Going forward, I think we just need to take it one game at a time. We have a couple of big games coming up, and if we keep playing our game, I think we will make a strong run at the state tournament.
You have committed to play soccer next fall at Southwest Minnesota State. What did you like about the Mustangs’ program?
I chose SMSU because of the amazing coaching staff and team culture. They also have an incredible culinology program, which made it a great fit for me.