Soccer: Packer girls hold off Panthers in a scoreless tie

Published 10:05 pm Tuesday, September 19, 2017

The Austin girls soccer team was without a couple of its key players, but that didn’t stop the Packers from battling as they played to a scoreless tie against Rochester Century in Art Hass Stadium Tuesday.

Austin (3-3-1 overall, 3-2-1 Big Nine) was without the play of seniors Sydney Marsh and Isabel Leuer, who were both out with injuries, but the team was able to bring up some JV players to provide a lift.

Austin’s Hope Dudycha tries to fight past Rochester Century’s Ellie Oyen during the first half Tuesday night at Art Hass Stadium. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com

“That’s what this team is about,” Austin head coach Jake Levisen said. “It’s about making everyone better around them. Tonight we continued with at team effort and Century is a very strong team. I’m very pleased with the effort and the progress that they’re making.”

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Austin nearly took the win in overtime when senior defender Clara Munger shot up a pop fly from about 20 yards out that was carried by the wind towards the net. Mickaela Pasch made a leaping, one-handed save for the Panthers (2-6-1 overall, 2-3-1 Big Nine), and the Packers just missed on knocking in the rebound.

Austin’s Erin Bickler turns on the ball during the first half against Rochester Century at Art Hass Stadium Tuesday. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com

The Packers had just four shots on the night, but Austin senior Myia Hoium helped keep them in the game by making 20 saves.

“There was definitely a lot of intensity and my defense helped a lot,” Hoium said. “We played really strong as a team. it was tough for me to focus with a lot of shots coming in, but my teammates kept me up.”

Austin has now shut out four of its seven opponents this season.

Austin’s Chloe Sheehan contends with Rochester Century’s Alivia Zorteau during the first half Tuesday night at Art Hass Stadium. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com

“This defense has played really well this whole year,” Levisen said. “They’re committed to what we’re implementing and they’re very committed to each other. They understand if the other team has the ball, then we want it back. That’s the mentality we have to have.”

Austin will host Northfield at 7 p.m. on Thursday.

Austin’s Emily Hegna settles the ball during the first half against Rochester Century Tuesday night at Art Hass Stadium. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com