Lady Lynx make BV history, lose Thelen to broken arm

The Brandon Valley girls’ soccer team earned a much-needed second victory against Sioux Falls Roosevelt Sept. 5.

The Lynx had 15 shots on goal and put two in to defeat the Rough Riders, 2-0. Goalkeeper Kianna Thelen had 13 saves in the victory.

“We needed to get a win against a team that was ahead of us in the standings, and that’s what we got,” said coach Jacob Shoup. “I think this was the best game I have seen my girls play since I have coached here these three years.”

“They played with energy and intensity from the beginning and also carried a sense of urgency from start to finish. You could tell they were looking forward to getting out there and competing.” 

The Lynx dominated the first half, desspite the half ending in a 0-0 tie. 

“We felt like we were in control and that we just needed to stay with the game plan and that eventually things would fall for us,” Shoup said.

BV’s initial goal came early in the second half with a cross from Samantha Taylor down the right sideline to a streaking Emma Haas, who was able to head it in from the back side. 

“It was a great thing to witness,” Shoup said. 

BV’s second goal came about 10 minutes later off of a corner kick from Julia Kreutner, which Sage Bultje volleyed in. 

The Lynx made history in their win over Roosevelt, as it was the first time a BV girls’ soccer team has defeated a Sioux Falls team since soccer was sanctioned. 

“It was a huge stepping stone for our program, and it was something we hoped we would have gotten done much longer ago, but it was still sweet nonetheless,” Shoup said. 

The JV also defeated Roosevelt, 3-0. McKenna Geringer, Hannah Jackmon and Bultje, assisted by Payton Smedsrud, scored for BV.

BV 0, Aberdeen 0

The Lady Lynx battled Aberdeen Sept. 8 to a 0-0 tie. 

“This was a defensive battle through and through and a great result for us against the number two team in the state,” Shoup said. 

“We definitely did not play our best soccer, and it was an ugly game to watch. We kind of had to finish the game in survival mode as they were pressing us pretty aggressively in the last 15 minutes, but we were able to hold on for our third straight shut-out.”

This was the first game in the last six where BV was out-shot, and it was pretty significant, Shoup said. BV’s starting goalkeeper, Kianna Thelen, suffered a broken arm in the contest.

“She played a phenomenal game, and she was the reason that we were still in it. Some of the saves that she made were incredible, and our team is devastated to lose someone of her caliber,” Shoup said. “She is such a great leader for us and will continue to be as we head into the home stretch of the season. I cannot say enough great things about this young lady and I’m saddened for her that her season is over in goal.”

Thelen had 16 saves in the tie. 

The Lady Lynx have moved up the standings steadily over the past few weeks and are currently ranked seventh. They host Watertown at 7:15 p.m. Sept. 14 at McHardy Park.