DANVILLE — Even with some frustration, the Danville girls soccer team did have a memorable home opener on Thursday.
Playing for the first time on the newly renovated Ned Whitesell Field, the Vikings were able to get a 2-0 win over Urbana University High.
The first half saw the Vikings attacking, but not connecting on anything against the Illineks.
“In the first half, it was raining and we came out slow. Our passes were there but we were not talking and communication is key,” Danville coach Mallory Franey said. “They were off in the beginning It was their first home game and maybe they were nervous, but I wanted to motivate them to do the best they can.”
“It is the first game and we have a lot of new people stepping into varsity, so it is understandable,” senior Reese Rundle said. “For our first home game for some who are playing soccer for the first time, it was fine.”
By the end of the half, they would get a goal thanks to freshman Serenity Martin, who scored late in the first.
“Serenity had a lot of good balls,” Rundle said. “She was called offsides a few times. That was expected, but she did well adjusting and I am proud of her.”
As the second half started, Rundle would find herself in a position to step up for the Vikings. After taking a hit at the 33 minutes, 23 second mark, she would get right back up and score Danville’s second goal at 28:48.
“I had the wind knocked out of me and I had to get some air back,” Rundle said. “I was a little frustrated that I couldn’t finish, so I sprinted to the goal and it was wide open and I finished finally.”
“I think that gave her some momentum because she would not let that knock her down literally,” Franey said. “I am proud of her determination and how she scored that goal.”
After that, the Viking defense continued to be the star. Even though Urbana University had very few chances, the defense and goalkeeper Esmeralda Sparnicht made sure they would not succeed. The Illineks’ last and best chance came with around five minutes left, when an advancing Urbana University player was stopped by defender Gabby Rule.
“Our defense is like an iron curtain,” Franey said. “We don’t let much by and they save us a lot. They have a lot of heart, are very aggressive and they communicate. They do very well.”
Franey is in the first season at the helm of the girls team and said that at 3-2 with a consolation championship at the Decatur St. Teresa Tournament, the Vikings are off to a very positive start.
“They are a great bunch of girls and I am happy I am coaching them this season,” Franey said. “There are things they need to work on as far as skill and we have been able to help them and teach them in a short amount of time. My assistants — Peter Blackmon and Kenny Heckler — know about soccer as well and it helps to have a team of coaches that are on the same page to create soccer plans and plays.”
“I love Mallory because she is serious and puts in a lot of her time after teaching into us and I love her for that,” Rundle said. “She can also be a friend and she is a great coach. It’s a very good start. We didn’t have a start like this last season. I am proud of them to finish and get a consolation championship and I am looking forward to what the future has for us.”
It was the first game for the Vikings at the newly refurbished Whitesell Field, which meant it was a time for seniors like Rundle to play on a new surface.
“It was very nice,” Rundle said. “Playing on the new field for the first time is nice and I think the team is building a lot of bonds.”
“The new field is awesome,” Franey said. “We have the video board and the girls love the pictures of themselves on the screen. There is a lot of school spirit and it motivates them.”
The Vikings hit the road on Tuesday to play Champaign Central in the first Big 12 Conference game of the season and will return home Wednesday to play St. Thomas More.