Ankeny girls' soccer coach Simon Brown noticed that Linn-Mar (Marion) wasn't substituting during the first half of Thursday's Class 3A quarterfinal at Cownie Soccer Complex. Brown started rotating in some of his own reserves, hoping that the third-ranked Lions would eventually run out of gas on an 87-degree afternoon. His gamble paid off in the second … [Read more...] about Brown’s gamble pays off: Hawkettes dominate 2nd half against Linn-Mar
Girls' Soccer
Gretz, Sharar lead Hawkettes past C.R. Prairie, back to state tournament
It was going to take a lot more than a little rain to stop the Ankeny girls' soccer team. The sixth-ranked Hawkettes took the lead less than a minute into the game and went on to defeat No. 10 Cedar Rapids Prairie, 4-0, in a Class 3A regional final on Monday at Ankeny. The game was played in a steady rain. "It's such an amazing feeling to be going back … [Read more...] about Gretz, Sharar lead Hawkettes past C.R. Prairie, back to state tournament
Hawkettes foil Mason City’s strategy, advance to Monday’s regional final
The Ankeny girls' soccer team didn't have to play much defense against Mason City on Wednesday. The visiting Mohawks loaded the box in an effort to frustrate Ankeny, but the strategy only worked to keep the score down. The sixth-ranked Hawkettes got three goals in the first 10 minutes and went on to post a 5-0 victory in a Class 3A regional … [Read more...] about Hawkettes foil Mason City’s strategy, advance to Monday’s regional final
Revive Clinic and Spa Prep of the Week: Chloee Kooker, Ankeny girls’ soccer
Senior defender Chloee Kooker has helped the sixth-ranked Ankeny girls' soccer team to a 13-4 record. She is one of the Hawkettes' captains. Kooker has scored four goals this season. She has also contributed five assists. Here is some inside info on Kooker: Congratulations on your team's 1-0 victory at Waukee on May 20. What was the key to beating … [Read more...] about Revive Clinic and Spa Prep of the Week: Chloee Kooker, Ankeny girls’ soccer
‘Best feeling in the world’: Sharar’s goal lifts Hawkettes past No. 2 Waukee
Some wins are a little sweeter than others. That was the case on Monday for the sixth-ranked Ankeny girls' soccer team, which traveled to Waukee for its regular-season finale and posted a 1-0 victory over the No. 2 Warriors. Ankeny won the game with some of its key players on the bench. "We had to do without Chloee (Kooker) for most of the second … [Read more...] about ‘Best feeling in the world’: Sharar’s goal lifts Hawkettes past No. 2 Waukee
Ankeny girls pummel Huskies as seniors steal the spotlight
All nine of the seniors on the Ankeny girls' soccer team started Tuesday's game against visiting Des Moines Hoover, including Malerie Rohweder. Rohweder suffered a knee injury last month and recently underwent season-ending surgery. "Tonight was all about the seniors," said Ankeny coach Simon Brown. "That was a special moment when the officials and … [Read more...] about Ankeny girls pummel Huskies as seniors steal the spotlight
Ankeny girls’ soccer team suffers costly 2-0 loss to Little Cyclones
On Friday night, the Ankeny girls' soccer team looked like a state championship contender during a 5-1 victory at Johnston. Just 72 hours later, the Hawkettes looked like a completely different team. Fifth-ranked Ankeny followed up its best performance of the season with arguably its worst, dropping a 2-0 decision at No. 14 Ames in a rescheduled game. … [Read more...] about Ankeny girls’ soccer team suffers costly 2-0 loss to Little Cyclones
A JUMP FOR JOY: Jaguars hold off Ankeny, move into tie for league lead
Chris Allen's game plan didn't go according to script on Tuesday night. But somehow, his Ankeny Centennial girls' soccer team still emerged with a win over its archrival. The sixth-ranked Jaguars got a goal from Elizabeth Overberg in the 45th minute and defeated No. 3 Ankeny, 1-0, in a CIML Central Conference showdown at Centennial. "We had some … [Read more...] about A JUMP FOR JOY: Jaguars hold off Ankeny, move into tie for league lead
Younger players shine as Hawkettes roll to victory at Fort Dodge
Due to a weather cancellation, the Ankeny girls' soccer team had to wait a full week to get back on the pitch following last weekend's Tournament of Champions in Burlington, where the Hawkettes lost two of their three games. The wait was worth it. Ankeny cruised to a 10-0 victory on Friday at Fort Dodge. The third-ranked Hawkettes improved their record … [Read more...] about Younger players shine as Hawkettes roll to victory at Fort Dodge
Hawkettes, Jaguars look to regroup after going 1-2 at Tournament of Champions
It's time for the Ankeny and Ankeny Centennial girls' soccer teams to regroup. Both teams went 1-2 in the Tournament of Champions last week at Burlington. The fourth-ranked Hawkettes fell to 9-2 on the season, while the No. 2 Jaguars dropped to 7-2. Ankeny opened the tournament on Thursday with a 3-0 loss to Dunlap (Ill.). After dropping a 1-0 decision … [Read more...] about Hawkettes, Jaguars look to regroup after going 1-2 at Tournament of Champions
Preparation pays off as Hawkettes defeat Dowling Catholic in shootout
When the Ankeny girls' soccer team was forced into a shootout Tuesday night by visiting Dowling Catholic, head coach Simon Brown and the Hawkettes were ready for the challenge. "For the PKs, we knew who our top five (shooters) were," Brown said. "We take PKs after every practice and track the data, so the girls were confident. We also track the … [Read more...] about Preparation pays off as Hawkettes defeat Dowling Catholic in shootout
Hawkettes score early and often in wins over D.M. East, Iowa City West
The Ankeny girls' soccer team relied on a simple formula to defeat a pair of opponents this weekend. Just score some goals early and often. The fourth-ranked Hawkettes rolled to a 10-0 victory over Des Moines East on Friday, then cruised past Iowa City West, 6-0, on Saturday. Both games were played at Ankeny High School. "The game started on … [Read more...] about Hawkettes score early and often in wins over D.M. East, Iowa City West
Hawkettes improve to 5-0 with victories over North Polk, Roosevelt
Despite giving up its first two goals of the season, the Ankeny girls' soccer team won a pair of games on Saturday to remain unbeaten. The fourth-ranked Hawkettes posted a 2-1 victory over North Polk, the No. 8 team in Class 1A. They then defeated Des Moines Roosevelt, 4-1, to raise their record to 5-0. Both games were played at Cownie Soccer … [Read more...] about Hawkettes improve to 5-0 with victories over North Polk, Roosevelt
Hawkettes overcome slow start, romp to 4-0 victory over Urbandale
It was a tale of two halves on Tuesday night at the Ankeny High School soccer field. After battling 10th-ranked Urbandale to a scoreless tie in the first half, the No. 4 Ankeny girls' team racked up four goals in the second half to post a 4-0 victory in its debut under new head coach Simon Brown. "The girls were electric in the second half," said … [Read more...] about Hawkettes overcome slow start, romp to 4-0 victory over Urbandale
Blimpie Sub of the Week: Acacia Biehl, Ankeny girls’ soccer
Junior Acacia Biehls is a member of the Ankeny girls' soccer team. "She will play a big role for us this year," said Ankeny coach Simon Brown. "She can play a number of positions and will be a great role player for us. She was ever-present in the winter months, open gyms, open workouts, and in the leadership committee." The fourth-ranked Hawkettes … [Read more...] about Blimpie Sub of the Week: Acacia Biehl, Ankeny girls’ soccer
Hawkettes return 9 starters from last year’s state runner-up squad
Simon Brown wasn't around when the Ankeny girls' soccer team lost to its crosstown rival in last year's Class 3A championship game. But he knows how much the Hawkettes are motivated by their 3-2 loss to Ankeny Centennial with a trophy at stake. "We talked a lot about state last year with our leadership group, and it was important for me to understand … [Read more...] about Hawkettes return 9 starters from last year’s state runner-up squad
William Penn coach hired to take over Ankeny girls’ soccer program
Simon Brown, a native of Dublin, Ireland, has been named the head coach of the Ankeny girls' soccer team. Brown currently serves as the associate head coach for both the men's and women's soccer programs at William Penn University. He will continue to hold those coaching positions. "The college season is in the fall, and at the NAIA level we're limited … [Read more...] about William Penn coach hired to take over Ankeny girls’ soccer program
Bertsch departs after successful three-year run as Ankeny girls’ soccer coach
Ankeny girls' soccer coach Dan Bertsch has resigned from his position after three years with the program. Ankeny Activities Director Brent Buttjer said that all three of Bertsch's assistants have resigned as well. "Coach Bertsch provided a great deal of passion and dedication to our girls’ soccer program for which I am grateful. We wish him luck in the … [Read more...] about Bertsch departs after successful three-year run as Ankeny girls’ soccer coach
Brown named first-team all-American by TopDrawerSoccer.com
Ankeny Centennial soccer star Olivia Brown has been named a first-team all-American by TopDrawerSoccer.com. She was earlier named to the United Soccer Coaches all-American team. The spring all-America teams are compiled by TopDrawerSoccer with consultation with coaches and media members from around the country. Players from all 13 spring-playing soccer … [Read more...] about Brown named first-team all-American by TopDrawerSoccer.com
Ankeny’s Adamson to play soccer at Grand View
One of the defensive standouts on the Ankeny girls' soccer team has made her college plans. Senior-to-be Saige Adamson announced earlier this week via Twitter that she'll be staying close to home. "I'm very blessed and excited to announce my commitment to Grand View University to continue my education and play soccer. I'm excited to see what the future … [Read more...] about Ankeny’s Adamson to play soccer at Grand View