PREP GIRLS SOCCER: Quick response
Strong offense carries Marshall to first win of season against Mankato Loyola
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MARSHALL -- After not being able to get on the scoreboard in its season opener against Waseca on Saturday, it didn't take long for the Marshall girls soccer team to end that streak, as MHS scored a pair of goals in each half against Mankato Loyola to earn a 4-0 victory Tuesday.
Marshall coach Jesus Hernandez said he was pleased with the bounce-back mentality his team showed after a tough opener on Saturday.
"We talked about this game after Saturday's loss and we just wanted to get back on the field and have a good performance and I think the girls really took it to heart," coach Hernandez said. "We possessed the ball most of the game and we created a lot of opportunities and I think they're gaining that confidence."
Marshall got out to a strong start, with plenty of scoring chances early on, but weren't able to capitalize. MHS then finally got on the board near the midway mark, as Hannah Gordon got one past the goaltender to put them up 1-0. Marshall continued to attack on the offensive end and pushed its lead to 2-0 when Lay Shell scored off a rebound with 4:12 to go in the first half.
The second half saw a similar outcome for MHS, as Emma Mernaugh lined a shot into the back of the net in the opening minutes of the frame to make it 3-0. Then with seven minutes left, Hannah Gordon got another shot past the goaltender for her second score of the evening to bring it to the 4-0 final.
Coach Hernandez said he felt they did a good job of executing what they practiced on Monday and raised their overall confidence, especially on offense.
"We actually practiced some of those plays that were effective here. After a game like Saturday where you know it shouldn't have been that way, you just want to get back on the field and give it a lot of heart," coach Hernandez said. "I think the girls really did that, they wanted this game so bad because it's always nice to gain that confidence back when you have a game like we did Saturday."
Up next
Marshall (1-1) will hit the road, taking on Worthington on Thursday at 6:45 p.m.