Republic battled high winds and a tough opponent in its girls soccer season opener, connecting for an early goal from two varsity newcomers before ultimately falling 3-1 at Sedalia Smith-Cotton Friday.
Junior Macey Mitchell scored Republic’s lone goal on an assist from freshman Andie Wistrom. Both players were making their varsity debuts, with Mitchell finally reaching the pitch after preseason injuries kept her off the field during her freshman and sophomore seasons.
“Before the game, I had told her I just want her to enjoy the game and smile. She’s a kid who doesn’t take anything for granted, and it was two years in the making,” Coach Jesus Zuniga said.
Zuniga said Mitchell put the team’s result ahead of her individual achievement. “I don’t think she cares much for individual stats if the team isn’t getting a positive result,” he said. (That’s the) mindset of a lot of these girls this year.”
Smith-Cotton retook the lead later in the first half when a wind-aided ball found the back of the net, making it 2-1 at halftime. The hosts added an insurance goal in the final 10 minutes to secure the victory.
Smith-Cotton finished with eight corner kicks to Republic’s three. Awbree Berning recorded 12 saves in goal for the Lady Tigers.
Republic returns to action today at noon, facing Capital City High School in Jefferson City.
