Girls Soccer: Wingers improved but no result

The result wasn’t there for Red Wing but the signs of improvement were clearly visible in a 1-0 season-opening loss to Albert Lea in Red Wing.

The Wingers, who won just three games last season, outshot the Tigers 10-5 and controlled the run of play for the majority of the second half.

“We’re still picking up on the attack,” Red Wing head coach Dusty Beckman said. “It was a lot better this game than it was at the end of the season last year. They saw the plays, now it’s just getting it there and getting good first touches.”

The Wingers had their chances but struggled to finish. Paige Lampe had a scoring chance in the first half, but pushed a shot wide of the goal on a 1-on-1 with the keeper.

Albert Lea got its goal at the 20-minute mark on a shot from Mackenzie Waldemar that somehow found the back of the net.

Red Wing controlled most of the attack from the point on, but generated few quality scoring opportunities.

The Wingers possession appeared improved from last season and the design of the attack had more cohesion.

“They’re seeing the runs at least now,” Beckman said. “It’s the difference between this year and last year is last year we didn’t necessarily see the runs and we were still booting it. This year we’re seeing the runs and trying to get it there. Now we just need to know how to get it there instead of just booting it long.”

The Tigers bunkered in for the final seven minutes of the game and clung to the 1-0 lead the rest of the way.

Red Wing will face Byron Monday in Byron.

Tags: girls soccer, red wing, sports, prep