It was familiar territory for Rochester Century's girls soccer team. The Panthers trailed Mayo 2-1 at halftime and had to score just before halftime to get that close.
"We've been in the same situation at Mayo two or three times before and fought our way back," said Century coach Karen LaDue.
This time, it was the spectacular scoring ability of all-state player Amelia Kasten that lifted Century. Kasten scored that goal just before halftime and then tallied four more times in the second half as Century won 6-2.
Century improved to 4-2 overall and 2-0 in the Big Nine Conference. Mayo is 0-5, 0-2 in the Big Nine.
Kasten, a senior who was one of the leading scorers in the state last year, now has 12 goals in the first six games.
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"She's just a smart player and she finds a way to get herself open," said LaDue. "We look to her as the go-to girl. She sees and reads the net very well."
Maria Prendergast had the other Century goal, assisted by Kasten.
Mayo jumped to a 2-0 lead in the first 20 minutes, on a goals by Julie Brandt and Danielle Peterson. Katie Bahr and Nina Salerno had assists on the scores.
"We were just hustling, putting pressure on the ball, trying to get all over them as quick as we could, and we were having some success at it," said Mayo coach Dave Bahr.
But the ball was in Mayo's end for most of the first half, as Century had a 9-3 edge in shots on goal. Bahr said the Spartans had many more shots around the his freshman goalkeeper, Alyssa Lunde.
"They put a lot of pressure on our defense," Bahr said. "Century is a very veteran team with a lot of players who can hit from just about anywhere."
Both teams are in action on Thursday. Century is home against Albert Lea. Mayo plays at Mankato East.
Byron ties Lourdes
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Byron scored the game's last goal with 20 minutes left and held on for a 2-2 tie against Rochester Lourdes in an HVL Conference game in Byron. It was the first tie for the No. 9 ranked Eagles (3-1-1).
Chelsey Evan, assisted by Jenna Maggert, scored the tying goal for Byron.
Lourdes got its two goals from Jessie Ryan and Cristin Stuart. Emily Flesher and Lindsey Kelly had assists on the goals.
"It was a physical game that had lots of great opportunities for both teams," said Lourdes coach Sarah Groven.
"We made a few mistakes here and there, and give credit to Byron, they were able to capitalize on them."
"We hadn't been tested yet this year," said Byron coach Marc Stangler. Byron is 3-0-1 overall. "It was nice to play a quality team and hang in there. We're still fairly young. Both teams played very inspired. Both teams know each other from playing in the summer."
Byron's Elyn DeCook opened the scoring three minutes into the game on an assist by Kalli Elias.
Byron goalkeeper Danielle Koenig made eight saves, including some big ones down the stretch. Chelsey Turner made seven saves for Lourdes.
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Lourdes plays host to Winona Cotter on Thursday at 5 p.m.
JM falls to Albert Lea
Rochester John Marshall freshman K.C. Beed scored unassisted with 25 minutes left in the second half to pull the Rockets to within a goal. But Albert Lea scored once more to win 3-1 in a game played in Albert Lea.
"It was a pretty evenly matched game," said JM coach Kevin Lowery. "The main thing is that (Albert Lea) capitalized on their opportunities, but we didn't.
"Abby Schauder, a senior captain, has been playing excellent for us, very strong in the midfield. She is able to set players up. Her leadership is coming through for the younger players."
Mia Schmelzer was in goal for the Rockets.
JM (1-4, 1-1 Big Nine) plays at Owatonna on Thursday.
BOYS
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Lourdes topples Byron
Rochester Lourdes' boys soccer team showed the effects of a tough game last week against Rochester Century, then a long weekend off, said coach Tom Kane.
The Eagles had a 2-0 lead against Byron at halftime, then got four goals in the second half to cruise to a 6-0 win.
"It really showed," said Kane. "We controlled the ball, but we couldn't put it in the net."
Lourdes outshot Byron 26-1. Goals came from Mark Lembach, Bayode Adafin, Joe Woodcock (2), Nick Reider and Michel Bohata. Adafin also had an assist, as did Aaron Good.
Lourdes is at Winona Cotter on Thursday, then will host powerful Academy of Holy Angels at 11 a.m. Saturday at Fuad Monsour complex.
