As the clouds gathered and the wind began to blow through Prairie du Chien Thursday evening, the Dodge Point United varsity girls soccer team knew they weren’t just battling the Blackhawks-they were battling the elements and a depleted roster.
Severe weather forced officials to whistle the game to a permanent halt in the second half, and Dodge Point hurried off the field to avoid lightning with a hard-earned 1-0 victory.
Dodge Point started the game missing several key contributors. With only two substitutes available due to injuries and absences, Coach Weber’s pregame message to the team was to “be ready when your name is called.” They responded.
The breakthrough United needed came from the corner flag. Abilene Bartz delivered a pass toward the back post. Emma Giddings, who checked in off the bench to provide much-needed fresh legs, read the flight of the ball and scored, giving Dodge Point the only goal of the game. Dodge Point outshot the Blackhawks 8-3.
“At the beginning of the year, I let the athletes know to be ready,” Coach Weber said. “This game was no exception. Emma came off the bench and took advantage of the opportunity.”
Protecting a one-goal lead is difficult under normal circumstances, but Dodge Point sustained the slim lead while missing three starters. The United’s midfield, anchored by the steady play of Layla Novak, dictated the tempo and kept Prairie du Chien on their heels for most of the game. When the ball managed to find its way toward United’s net, goalkeeper Lucy Paynter was there to extinguish the threat. Paynter provided another stellar performance, recording 4 saves to secure her second clean slate of the season.
Despite the physical game and the pressure of a narrow lead, Dodge Point committed zero fouls, showcasing a level of composure that proved vital as the clouds darkened around the field.
For Coach Weber, the win was a testament to his team’s perseverance.
“It was a gritty win, and I could not be prouder of them,” Weber said. “We’ll need this determination and grittiness this week as we face two top 10 Division 4 opponents.”
The opponents are #8 River Valley and #10 Lake Mills. If Thursday was any indication, this team is ready for whatever-and whoever-comes their way.