Written by Tina L. Scott
Editor
In their season opener, the Merrill Varsity Girls took to the soccer field on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, and earned their first win. Although it was their first contest of the year, the Lady Jays were ready, said Merrill's new head soccer coach Dan Coufal.
“In the first half, the Jays controlled most of the game, but couldn't score,” he said. “I could see they were getting used to the new system and formation and I knew it was only a matter of time.”
“It was 0-0 at halftime,” Coufal said. “After some adjustments at half-time, the women’s team got back into the game and finally broke the deadlock with #10 Reggie Lahti putting in a beautiful cross into the box, where Maddie Sell scored her own He played his position perfectly and was there to score his first goal of the season.”
“Shortly thereafter, #10 Reggie Lahti took a good look deep and lasered the back of the net for the Jays’ second goal of the night.”
Box score:
Crandon 0 @ Merrill 2
In their second game of the season, the Merrill girls struggled to score, but were unable to score. It was also a home game, and this time Wisconsin Rapids played against a conference opponent and scored.
“The girls team was a little sluggish and we gave up a 4-0 lead to the Red Raiders in the first half,” Coufar said. “The speed, precision and physical strength of the conference game may have surprised the women a little bit.”
To their credit, “They never gave up and continued to live up to our motto of 'playing for each other and for each other' and at half-time. “We made some adjustments and went into the second half, played the Red Raiders tough and only allowed one goal,” he said, “while creating several scoring opportunities in the second half.”
“Kudos to our defensive line (Anna Bowe, Evin Schmitz, Allie Hook, Adeline Elliott, Reggie Lahti) for practicing their defense in the second half!” Coufal said.
Box score:
Wisconsin Rapids 5 @ Merrill 0
