Eagle Valley girls soccer falls to Palisade, 3-0
GYPSUM — With Melissa Velasco the lone senior on the team, Eagle Valley is looking to build something special for the future.
Velasco plays defense with inspiring intensity, showing the youngsters on the team what Devils soccer is all about.
“The more experience they can get on the field, especially against these tougher teams, it will definitely pay off,” said Devils coach Maggie Sherman after a 3-0 loss on Thursday to Palisade (10-2, 7-2 in the Slope).
Eagle Valley had its chances, mostly in the first half.
“We have a very young team. They still have a lot to learn about the game, and that makes my job real exciting.” Maggie ShermanCoach, Eagle Valley girls soccer
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Junior Hana Berge had a beautiful give and go with sophomore Jessica Adams, but the keeper left the net to stop the attack early about halfway through the first half. Adams also had a nice lob pass from midfield to an attacking Berge minutes later, but the keeper came out again to squander the opportunity.
“We’re trying to move up the field as a team and as a unit,” Adams said. “It’s hard to find opening sometimes, but we’re improving.”
With about 10 minutes left in the first half, Palisade broke the scoreless game open with a goal off a free kick. The Bulldogs attacker slipped through the defense to score.
Palisade maintained control in the second half as the Devils searched for the equalizer.
“I think our defense did well,” said sophomore Ginny Osteen, who is a physical force on defense. “We held it together for the most part. I think we did what we wanted.”
LOOKING FORWARD
Another bright spot for the young Devils is keeper Brennecke Gale, a sophomore.
“What a wall. We’re lucky to have her,” Sherman said. “I feel so confident with her back there, and I think the same for the girls. They know that she’s going to handle her business.”
Eagle Valley (4-6-2, 3-6-1) looks to finish the season strong following spring break, starting with a home game against Aspen on April 30.
“There’s chemistry, for sure,” Osteen said.
“We have a very young team,” Sherman said. “They still have a lot to learn about the game, and that makes my job real exciting.”
Reporter Ross Leonhart can be reached at 970-748-2915 and rleonhart@vaildaily.com. Follow him on Instagram at colorado_livin_on_the_hill.
