Anna Blatti, Evelyn Nydegger, and Journey Utpadel compete for the Waseca 18u soccer team.
By ELI LUTGENS
Publisher/Editor
The Waseca U-18 girl’s soccer team completed an undefeated regular season this past week, finishing the season 10-0. They are coached by Sal Neaves and assisted by: Shannon Blatti, Crystal Bartlet and Larry Nydegger.
The roster includes many local kids and, according to Coach Neaves, the group is ready to make waves during the state tournament July 16-18 after the conclusion to a great regular season.
“Everybody saw playing time this season, and everyone demonstrated improvement,” Coach Neaves said. “We had a very young core group.”
The girls had a dominant season averaging 7.5 goals per game while only allowing an average of half a goal per game for their opponents.
“We competed well in the 18u league,” Coach Neaves said. “Our average age is 16 years old and we earned more merit as we competed. Some of our girls are nursing injuries, discomfort, growing pains, and other ailments, but still they are continuing the improvement of their skills.”
The group totaled six shutout victories and scored a total of 75 goals during the season. “We’re determined to imitate this success at state,” said coach Neaves.
Their game results from the regular season follow:
May 10 defeated Kasson Mantorville 11 - 1.
June 1 defeated Albert Lea 4 – 0.
June 3 defeated Faribault South 8 – 0.
June 8 defeated Kasson Mantorville 3 – 0.
June 10 defeated Kasson Mantorville 8 – 0
June 15 defeated Faribault South 19 – 1
June 17 defeated Albert Lea 5 – 1
June 22 defeated Marshall 9 – 2
June 24 defeated Marshall 4 – 0 and 3-0
Roster: Samantha Azure, Maia Bartlet, Anna Blatti, Evelyn Nydegger, Gabriela Lopez, Katrina Fuller, Grace Frye, Peyton Kalbow, Thyme Lang, Kilee Britton, Cloe Mansfield, Lucia Mansfield, Cora McCabe, Maddie Malecha, Gabriela Rodriguez, Caitlin Sheeran, Addison Weiseler, and Journey Utpadel.