Bulldog Girls Soccer Come up Short Against Grain Valley

The Bulldog girls soccer team traveled to Platte City Wednesday night to take on the Grain Valley Eagles in round 3 of the Platte County Girls Soccer Tournament. This highly anticipated game did not disappoint soccer fans, but Grain Valley ended up winning in the end 2–1.

Kearney Striker Emma Weightman beats the Eagles Meghan Knust to the ball as she looks to complete the pass - Photo Courtesy Kim Adkins

Both teams came ready to play. The midfielders and defenders really had their work cut out for them as the Eagles have very strong, aggressive forwards. Eleven minutes into the game, Caysi Brown was able to fight her way up the sideline. She sent a cross through to Emily Shepherd, who smashed the ball into the back of the net. 1–0 Bulldogs! Throughout the rest of the first half, the Bulldogs were able to contain the Eagles, not allowing them to score.

In the second half, Grain Valley came onto the field with a vengeance. After a foul in the box, the Eagles were given a penalty kick, where they were able to slip one past the Bulldogs goalie, Lily Ellis. The game was tied 1–1. This was the momentum shift that the Eagles needed to change the game in their favor. The last 40 minutes were played with multiple fouls and a yellow card being issued to Grain Valley. A quick breakdown on Kearney’s defense allowed their opponents to score, giving the Eagles the lead for the first time in the game.

Faith Mick had a great opportunity to even up the score, but the hit the goal post. The ball bounced around in the box where players from both teams scrambled to get it. Grain Valley was able to maintain possession, denying a Kearney goal.

The Bulldogs play Platte County on Thursday, March 26, at 5:00 pm for third place. On Saturday, Kearney travels to Saint Thomas Aquinas High School to participate in the Bob Durig Memorial MO-KAN Challenge. The team plays St. Teresa’s Academy at 11:00 am.

KPGZ Sports - Kim Adkins contributed to this story