Dakota Valley fell 5-2 at Freeman on Saturday, Aug. 15, but the Panthers showed clear improvement from last season.

Bryan Cardona scored Dakota Valley’s first goal in the first half, heading in a rebound after Yahya Luqman’s shot struck the crossbar.

In the second half, Cruz Trejo scored after Freeman’s goalkeeper punched a shot into the air and the loose ball dropped into the middle of the box.

“We …