Masuk Free Press

Masuk girls soccer had their first loss of the season last night, ending 3 – 0 against the Brookfield Bobcats. 

Though Masuk came out strong, they could not get the ball past Brookfield’s defense. Even with great shots from senior captain Hannah Dorney and sophomore Ella McGee, the girls could not find the back of the net. Still, the Panthers held out with great saves from sophomore goalkeeper Kara Leandres. 

19 minutes into the first half, Brookfield’s number 16 scored. Masuk could not seem to shake the goal and the game shifted to defense. Senior captains Marise Klutch and Gianna Convertito had consistent defense throughout the half, Klutch often sending the ball up the field. Masuk upped the ante with less than ten minutes left, but the half still ended 1 – 0 in Brookfield’s favor.

During the half, Masuk hosted Club Night, welcoming any players to come and represent their club in a mini soccer challenge. There was quite a turnout and players of all ages from Monroe Soccer Club, Ole, and a variety of other clubs came to deck out in their teams uniforms.

Jumping back into the game, Masuk went into the second half with a fight in them. Yet only four minutes in, Brookfield’s number 14 scored, bringing the score to 2 – 0. The Panthers continued to play aggressively, with contributions from sophomore Amelia Stephens, but they could not keep up. With 15 minutes left in the game, Brookfield’s number 14 scored again, taking the score to 3 – 0. Even with energy dwindling, Masuk fought all the way to the end.

“I mean it was a really unfortunate loss for our team. We tried multiple different formations but nothing was working. This was our first loss this season, but we have plenty more games to look forward to, especially this Saturday against Newtown, so we’re staying optimistic,” said senior captain Erin Davis.

Despite the loss, the Panthers are 3 – 1 and are ready to fight for this season. Their next home game is Saturday, Sept. 30, so come out and support them in their match up against Norwich Free Academy.