April 23, 2024

Creston nabs first win of the season

Panthers top Chariton 3-1

By TYLER HETU

Lexi Rounds plays the ball off the bounce during Creston's 3-2 loss to Kuemper Catholic April 9. Rounds found her way into the goal column in Tuesday's win over Chariton, scoring a goal on eight shots, two being on goal. (CNA photo)

CHARITON – The Creston girls soccer team grabbed its first win of the season Tuesday, winning over Chariton 3-1.

The Panthers put a high volume of shots towards the goal against a Chariton team that was 1-3 entering Tuesday.

Head coach Megan Kinkade said a large part of the teams success was due to its ability to work effectively as a team, communicating and passing the ball on the field well.

“We worked as a team,” said Kinkade. “We’ve been stressing the importance of teamwork and not playing for yourself but playing as a team. ... We’ve been really drilling that into their minds this past week and I think some of that stuck.”

Minor adjustments to the teams formation and psyche also helped influence the win, said Kinkade.

“It all just came together for us,” said Kinkade.

The Panthers got on the board in the first half on a score from Lexi Rounds on a feed from Jessica Arevalo. Insurance was added in the second half on a Karmen Chuong score from a Laura Weis pass.

Grace Root put the game to bed, scoring the third goal of the night for Creston before the end of regulation on an assist from Kara Kinsella.

Goalie Madison McCoubrey turned away eight of nine shots, allowing only one score to Chariton’s Laura Stufflebaum in the second half.

Kinkade hopes the confidence of winning by more than one score will carry over into the coming games as Creston nears the midway point of the season.

“I hope it’ll help us play better,” said Kinkade. “I think the girls have the confidence with that win and are starting to build a knit team.”

UP NEXT – The Creston girls have a tough task ahead of them Tuesday night, hosting Class 2A No. 1 Lewis Central (5-1).

With a historically tough opponent next up, Kinkade and the Panthers are planning for a more defensive scheme against a Lewis Central team that has outscored opponents 20-1 so far this season.

“We won’t have those attacking opportunities against this team (Lewis Central),” said Kinkade. “We’re going to try and play a more defensive game and try not to let them score as many times as they have in the past.”

Kickoff for Creston versus Lewis Central will be at 5 p.m.

Creston 3,

Chariton 1

Chariton (1) — Laura Stufflebaum. Keeper saves — Brooklyn Collins 4, Taylor Pennington 4. Cards — N/A.

Creston (4) — Lexi Rounds (assisted by Jessica Arevalo); Karmen Chuong (assisted by Laura Weis); Grace Root. (assisted by Kara Kinsella). Individual shots (on goal) – Lexi Rounds 8 (4), Jessica Arevalo 4 (3), Karmen Chuong 13 (8), Grace Root 9 (4), Bree Ross 1 (0), Sophie Schuler 1 (1), Laura Weis 3 (0). Shots (on goal) — 39 (20). Saves — Madison McCoubrey 8. Cards – N/A.