Kelly Riibe
Thursday, September 1, 2022
It was an exciting time this past week for the Panther boys soccer team as they began their season and brought forth the firs-ever era of boys soccer at Dakota Valley. On Aug. 18 the boys soccer team hosted Tea Area. The Titans boasted a starting line-up of mostly sophomores and juniors while DV relied heavily on 7th and 8th graders. The team and Head Coach Eddie Vongsiprasom knew going into the match that it would be a tough contest. “The game went as we thought it would,” Vongsiprasom detailed. “We looked like boys playing against men. They were faster and stronger than us. The boys didn’t shy down from a challenge though. They battled into the second half. With about 17 minutes left of the second half, Tea hit a 30-yard shot into the top right corner to complete the 10-- goal mercy rule.” Despite the 10-0 loss, much was gained and learned. Seventh grader Reid Herbold was praised as being a “stand out on the team”. He has stepped into the role of goalkeeper, with no prior experience, and done well. Vongsiprasom reported that Tea Area had approximately 30 shots, with 15 on goal, in the match and Herbold gave the roster hope. “If you showed up after the game you would have thought we won the game,” Vongsiprasom stated. “The DV soccer community came out to support that night. The girls team, parents and coaches were a huge part of that. We may not have won on the scoreboard, but it was a huge success for DV soccer.”