First-year head coach Mark Raymond had some trepidations beginning the Austin girls’ soccer season against Rochester Mayo, last year’s section champion.

Friday, August 25, 2000

First-year head coach Mark Raymond had some trepidations beginning the Austin girls’ soccer season against Rochester Mayo, last year’s section champion.

His anxieties were quickly dispelled as Austin came out roaring and showed they could play against the home standing Spartans. McKenzie Murray put Austin up 1-0 eight minutes into the game.

Some picture perfect goals by the Spartans, however, turned the tide and Mayo went on to win the game 5-2 Thursday.

"I was hesitant about beginning the season against Mayo," Raymond said. "They are a quality team. But overall it was a real positive experience. We got a lot of feedback about our new offense and defense. It was a good measure of where we’re at as a team."

The Murray goal was set up by a cross from Katy McClain. Melanie Gabrielson received the cross around the 18-yard penalty box line and took a shot on goal. Murray then put the rebound home.

"McKenzie made a nice run from the far side to put away the rebound," Raymond said.

Halfway through the first half Mayo turned up the offense, scoring on a breakaway and then three shots that went just underneath the crossbar to take a 4-1 lead.

"They (Mayo) have some exceptional shooters," Raymond said. "After the breakaway they scored three goals in about six minutes. All three were from about 25 yards out and were just under the cross bar. There was nothing our freshman goal keeper Kelly Momsen could do."

Raymond said Momsen was solid in the net, stopping Mayo when she could.

"Kelly had a great game. She made seven stops on breakaways. Mayo had a total of 48 quality attempts and Momsen made the plays."

Mayo led 4-1 at the half. Austin then got to within 4-2 on a goal by McClain, assisted by Lia Middlebrook.

"The last 60 minutes of the game were even with both teams scoring only once," Raymond said. "Our offense and defense came around in the second half. We got better pressure on offense and got some quality shots on goal. The defense did an exceptional job in the last 60 minutes.

"Bridget Burzinski did a good job at center ‘D’ and Megan Seibel, Becca Wilson, and Megan Olsen all played well and showed a lot of leadership on defense."

Austin (0-1, 0-1 Big Nine) travels to La Crescent today for its second game of the season. The Packers first home game is Tuesday, August 29, against Rochester Century at 7 p.m.