South too much for Trojans in 1AA finals

"If a team is going to beat you, you need to make them beat you at your best."

That is a message Matt Anderson has told his New Prague High School girls soccer team many times during the season, and on Tuesday, Oct. 15, in the Section 1AA championship game, that’s just what happened as the Lakeville South Cougars defeated the Trojans 4-0.

"South is a good side, but we came to play," Anderson said. "We played tough and had some chances in the first half, but South is excellent defensively and was able to keep us scoreless." The Cougars have allowed only five goals all season.

The Cougars got a goal midway through the first half and led 1-0 at halftime.

South came out with a lot of energy in the second half, but Anderson said his squad kept pace with them. After they scored a second goal midway through the second half, the Trojans adjusted, adding another attacker and leaving only three defenders. South took advantage and Anderson said the team played a great through ball to make it 3-0 with about10 minutes left. South scored once more, on a corner kick in the final minutes to make the final 4-0.

Trojan goalkeeper Taylor Stepka made 12 saves in the loss.

"It was a bittersweet end to the season," Anderson said. "We were so happy being the first team in program history to win 10 games and go to a section final, but we were disappointed that it ended there. I am so proud of the way the girls fought all year, especially on our playoff run."

Anderson said seniors Dani Anderson, Lauren Kuehl, and Lana and Laura Krautkremer will be missed for their leadership both on and off the field, and the skill they bring to the field.

The Trojans finish the season with a....

To see more on this story pick up the October 24, 2019 print edition of The New Prague Times.