Junior winger Josie Ehlinger helped the third-ranked Ankeny Centennial girls’ soccer team reach the Class 3A semifinals for the second year in a row. She was named to the all-tournament team on Saturday along with teammates Evie Boyle and Kayle Pezzetti.
Ehlinger had three assists this season while helping the Jaguars to a 16-3-1 record. She received all-conference honorable mention.
Here is some inside info on Ehlinger:
Congratulations on a great season. What was your reaction to being named to the all-tournament team?
I was really honored and grateful to be named to the all-tournament team. It means a lot because there are so many talented players in the state. But I wouldn’t have been able to do it without my amazing teammates!
Your team posted a 5-1 win over Ankeny in the quarterfinals on Tuesday in a game that was played in stifling heat. How difficult was it to play in those conditions?
The heat definitely made the game challenging, but the water breaks positively helped us both physically and mentally. I think it allowed us to regroup and control the game, especially in the second half.
The game was tied at halftime before your team outscored the Hawkettes, 4-0, in the second half. Do you think your team’s depth was the difference in the final 40 minutes?
Yes, I think our depth helped us immensely. We had players coming off the bench who brought energy, which helped us to keep the pressure on in the second half and ultimately led to our goals.
Your team then lost to No. 2 Valley, 1-0, in the semifinals on Friday despite outshooting the Tigers by a 21-7 margin. Do you feel like your team dominated the run of play?
I think we controlled much of the game and created a lot of chances for ourselves in the attacking third and stayed solid on the defensive side as well, but sometimes all it takes is one opportunity for the other team to get the result.
You deflected a Valley shot out of the bounds in the 29th minute to set up the corner kick that led to the game’s only goal. It was hard to see what happened on the corner kick. Can you describe how it unfolded from what you saw, and did you think it was actually a goal?
There was a lot of traffic in front of the goal so it was hard to tell if the ball did or did not cross the line. Regardless, (our goalkeeper) Rylee (Litchfield) did a good job of trying to shut down their attempt.
I’m sure you watched the championship game between Valley and No. 1 Waukee Northwest, which ended with the Wolves posting a 2-1 win for their second consecutive title. Who did you want to win?
I was excited to watch a competitive final between both teams. However, I have some close friends from Valley that I wanted to see win!
Your team will have to replace seniors Emmarie Becker, Evie Boyle, Emily Conger and Piper Zeman. What will you miss the most about those four?
I’ll miss their leadership and presence on the field the most. They set a great example every day at practice on and off the field. They also created such a warm and positive team culture that makes the sport so enjoyable for everybody.
Do you think you’ll try to take over some of the leadership role for the team next year?
Yes, I want to lead by example through my work ethic and encouraging my teammates. I also want to help create a positive team culture off the field, which is very important to our team and program.
Would you like to play soccer in college, and do you know what you want to study yet?
I’m still exploring my options and what I want to study.
Have you looked at any schools?
Yes, I’ve started looking at schools and learning more about different programs, both academically and athletically.
Are you planning to watch much of the men’s World Cup?
Definitely. I love watching soccer and can’t wait to see what our country can do. I’ve looked up to many of those players such as (Christian) Pulisic for a while now and can’t wait to learn from them. But I also love watching soccer for enjoyment and getting together with my teammates and friends to watch the games!