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Rutherford girls soccer falls in opener (See Photos)
Despite loss, coach Tonn pleased with teamwork by youthful team
SPRINGFIELD — Lisa Tonn could find little reason to be disappointed, even after her Rutherford girls soccer team dropped its season-opening match to Choctawhatchee.
The Rams lost 13 seniors from last year’s team and were working four freshmen into the lineup. Tonn purposely scheduled the talented Indians, and she wasn’t concerned about the 5-1 outcome on Tuesday at the Vera Shamplain Sports Complex.
“I knew this would be a tough game, but I wanted this to get the team ready,” Tonn said. “You get better by playing the good teams.”
Tonn hopes her Rutherford squad turns into one of those teams, though she already saw many positive signs for growth. The Rams (0-1) shook off a sluggish start and played well for the remaining 60 minutes of the match. However, they couldn’t overcome a hot start by Choctaw.
Shelby Bush scored three of her four goals within the first 13 minutes of the match, and most were on easy breakaways. Tonn switched up defenders on Bush and the Indians’ senior was largely silent until she capped the scoring with 26 minutes to play.
Rutherford displayed better poise after Bush’s explosion, and Tonn noted the team was having better transitions from defense to offense. It resulted in two shots in the final 20 minutes of the first half and six in the second.
The Rams broke through when Brittany Garner took Kaitlin Hamilton’s offering into the goalkeeper’s box and fended off a defender to open the second-half scoring. Choctaw (1-0) responded eight minutes later with a goal by Megan Thomas and finally Bush’s in the 56th minute.
The final two Choctaw goals came against freshman keeper Genevieve Smith, who made four saves. Starting keeper Jennifer Baumgartner made seven saves and was removed from goal to give her time to play the field, Tonn said.
As far as openers go, Tonn said the only thing better, obviously, would have been a win. But she was pleased with how the team came together.
“They worked well with each other and I’m impressed and surprised it happened this quickly in the first game,” Tonn said. “They were all supportive of each other and that’s a good sign.”
Rutherford will aim for its first win at home against Niceville Rocky Bayou Christian on Friday.
