There was a jovial atmosphere that filled the air on June 7, right after the Class 1A girls state soccer championship as jubilant player Dru Dorsey shared a heartfelt hug with Assumption girls’ soccer coach, Elizabeth Maus. As the final whistle blew, Assumption had just recorded an impressive 2-0 victory against the top-seeded team, Denver, thereby securing a historic 12th state championship. This victory was all the more special as it ended a dry spell for the team; the last time they laid hands on the state trophy was back in 2021 when Dru and her cohort were still in middle school.
Thoughts of past failures clouded Dorsey’s triumphant smile as she recalled her feelings of letting down her coach in her freshman year. The persistent memory of a winning streak that was abruptly halted and superseded by a slew of losses greatly bothered her. However, resounding victory now had Dorsey radiating pure joy at having finally redeemed her team and coach. It was a moment of relief and fulfillment for the young star who assisted in one goal and personally delivered the second.
The game saw Assumption hit the ground running, opening up the scoreboard within the first five minutes and twenty-one seconds. Dorsey, who was instrumental in the team’s victory, found Ruby Stevens with a sterling cross from near the pitch’s right corner. Young Stevens, a freshman, navigated past the far post before unleashing a powerful strike that pierced through Denver’s defense before nestling into the net for an early lead.
The successful goal couldn’t hide Dorsey’s admiration for Stevens, whose performance under pressure was commendable. To Dorsey, it was the young star’s skill during the high-pressure match at Iowa State that set the tone and momentum for the rest of the game, boosting the team’s morale. However, despite the early lead, Denver managed to remain unfazed, continuing to give Assumption a run for their money as the first half proceeded.
The Cyclones, refusing to be outdone, demonstrated an inspired performance, controlling much of the game’s first half. They presented significant offensive pressure, led by Addyson Shepard. Despite two promising attempts at goal that barely missed the mark, the Cyclones couldn’t break through Assumption’s defenses. Even when Denver found a potential lifeline with another chance at goal in the dying minutes of the first half, they were denied again by Assumption’s vigilant goalkeeper, Alyssa O’Neal.
The second half saw a change of tides; Denver’s offense was hampered while Assumption, led by their able 1A all-tournament captain Camryn Menke and resilient defender Maddi Tolle, stepped up to suppress Shepard’s fierce attacks. Denver’s coach, Derek Krebsbach, acknowledged their strategy as he noted that Assumption had flanked their defensive line with two strong players aimed at curbing Addyson Shepard’s potentially dangerous plays.
As Assumption’s defense held strong and their midfield picked up the pace in the second half, Dorsey seized an opportunity to extend the lead. A mere 10 minutes into the second half saw Dorsey receive the ball near the 18-yard box, from where she plunged a well-aimed shot that found its home in the far corner of the net, further securing Assumption’s position in the game with a two-goal advantage.
Dorsey’s reflections on her successful shot were humble; she simply mentioned that she had taken her shot and fortuitously, it had found the corner. The game’s uncertainties, she mused, were even more pronounced with the rain pelting down – a scenario which she felt only heightened a player’s need to remain on standby. Assumption kept control of the game’s rhythm post-Dorsey’s goal, masterfully ensuring that their three-year-long wait for a state title was coming to an end.
The victory was an overwhelming moment for Dorsey, a senior, who failed to find adequate words to describe the team’s achievement. It was a remarkable moment, further heightened by being experienced alongside her fellow senior players. The win was not just an end to the team’s title drought, but also a glorious highlight for Dorsey’s senior year.
Assumption concluded their season with a commendable 15-4-1 record, but victory didn’t come easily. Their triumphant journey saw them face formidable opponents such as Denver, who finished the season with a remarkable 21-1-1 record. The championship game served as a reminder of the harsh realities of competitive soccer; despite their season performance, Denver fell at the last hurdle for the second consecutive year, suffering another 2-0 defeat.
Visibly distressed by the team’s loss, Coach Krebsbach expressed his sentiments, underlining that while the loss was painful, he was exceptionally proud of his girls’ performance. He reflected on the resilience of his squad, who had dusted off the disappointment from their loss in the preceding year’s championship to put up yet another worthy contest. Despite the outcome, he emphasized that the Cyclones had given their all on the field, demonstrating dedication and tenacity.