Dunlap defeated Orion-Sherrard 3-0 in Class 2A soccer regional semifinals on Tuesday, May 18, in Galesburg.
The Eagles went on to win the regional title, while the Chargers finished the season at 8-9-3.
“We drew a very tough team to open regionals against,” Orion-Sherrard coach Rick Cline said. “Dunlap has a great soccer tradition, and they are a talented bunch of soccer players.”
The Eagles scored in the fourth minute, on a ball from Taylor Anderson to Jordan Gunn.
Orion-Sherrard held Dunlap scoreless through the rest of the first half.
Six minutes after intermission, Kelli Dixon scored an unassisted goal.
For another 25 minutes, the Charger defense kept the Eagles from finding the net again.
But in the 71st minute, Dunlap’s Alyx Landmark booted home the third goal.
“Our girls played hard, they played well, but once we got down a goal we had to go all out to get an equalizer, which exposed us defensively,” Cline said.
“All in all, I’m very pleased with our effort in this game,” he said. “We hate to lose, but when you see the girls leave it all on the pitch, you really can’t complain, and you have to admire their heart.
“It’s tough to see our seniors finish their high school soccer careers, but it’s gratifying to know that at least five of them will be playing college soccer this fall,” the coach said. “It’s also encouraging to recognize that we played six freshmen in this regional game, so I’m excited for our future.”
Orion-Sherrard managed three shots, one each by Katherine Hellberg, Kayla Fowler and Becky Kosek.
Charger goalkeeper Rachel Engnell pulled off 11 saves.
Ali Seys racked up 13 steals, followed by Talye Anderson, 11; Hannah Larson, Katie Garrity and Cassidy Clark, nine each; Jessica Garlach and Morgan Mason, six; Amy Komadino and Laura Hamilton, five; Jill Bergstrand and Fowler, four; Kosek, three; Alexis Benware, two; and Hellberg, Marlana Kulig, Kristi Zahniser and Jordan Knoll, one.
Dunlap attempted five corner kicks and Orion-Sherrard, one.
The Chargers were flagged for 12 fouls and the Eagles for eight.
Each team was offsides twice.
