BY RICK ARGALL
MMC STAFF
The Merrill Varsity Girls Soccer team hosted conference rival DC Everest on Thursday night, April 25, 2024, at Jay Stadium in Merrill. In what turned out to be a high-scoring contest for DC Everest, their goals came early and often, as Merrill was unable to net a goal and was defeated 8-0 in a time-shortened game at 65:21.
A goal by the Evergreens at the 1:50 mark of the first half set the tone early as DC Everest jumped out to a 1-0 lead and never trailed after that, and Merrill played most of the half in their own end of the field. The Evergreens added goals at 3:59, 7:07, 16:18, 25:06, and 37:34 of the first half to take a 6-0 lead at halftime.
Merrill came out and played solid defense in the second half to minimize the DC Everest attack, but was unable to get quality shots on goal in an effort to get back into the game. Two more goals were scored by the Evergreens, as the score grew to 8-0 at the 65:21 mark and the game was called by the referees, ending in a victory for Everest.
“We knew going into this game that we would have our hands full,” said Dan Kufahl, Head Coach for the Merrill Girls Varsity Soccer Team. “DC Everest is the class of the Valley Conference and one of the best in the state.”
“The Lady Jays played them tough, as usual, but Everest’s experience and skill was too much to handle and we ended up losing 8-0,” he said. “As an appreciator of great soccer, it was impressive to watch DC Everest play their game. As the Head Coach of the opposing team, not so much. But it gave the Lady Jays a front row seat to what it takes to play elite level soccer, and we all walked off the pitch having learned something new.”
“We are going to take those lessons we learned and get back to work for two games this week,” Kufahl said after the game. “Tuesday we have Three Lakes coming to town, and Thursday the ladies host Wausau East. Both games should be very competitive, and we are looking forward to getting back in the win column!”
The Merrill Varsity Girls Soccer team looks to rebound as they travel to Three Lakes on Tuesday, April 30. Game time is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
Box Score:
DC Everest 8 @ Merrill 0
