Posted: 9/12/07
Tough schedule wares on Vikes
 North Branch senior defenseman Renell Masloski, right, battles for possession of the ball against Spring Lake Park/St. Anthony Village freshman midfielder Megan Eckman during a home game Sept. 6. |
After the second week of play, the North Branch girls soccer team is still looking for its first win.
Head coach Peter Grand said the team has been struggling with injuries all season and with a difficult schedule.
On Sept. 4, the girls battled against North Suburban Conference foe Fridley Tigers, only to lose by a score of 0-5.
The girls let in four first half goals and only allowed one goal in the second half.
Later in the week, the girls were hoping home field advantage would work in their favor.
The girls lost to Spring Lake Park/St. Anthony Village Panthers in a lopsided 10-0 game.
The Panthers, who are the defending NSC champions, did what they pleased with the Vikings as they had control of the ball most of the game.
Grand said the Panthers were an excellent team and they had great speed and communication.
On Sept. 10, the girls played Robbinsdale Cooper, losing 3-1.
Senior co-captain Kristen Robatcek scored the team's first goal of the season on a 25-foot shot.
The Vikings were down 2-1 with seven minutes in the game before Robbinsdale Cooper scored one last goal to put the game just out of reach for the Vikings.
Despite the losses, Grand said he is impressed with the team's attitude.
"This team has never given up and they play really hard and to the limits," he said.
Up next, the girls travel to Chisago Lakes to take on the Wildcats. Grand said the Wildcats may be a little down this year because they lost some valuable seniors.
"The team is ready to play the Chisago Lakes," Grand said.
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