The Bemidji High School girls soccer team secured a decisive 4-0 victory against East Grand Forks on the evening of September 28, 2023. The match, held at Chet Anderson Stadium, showcased a promising start for the Lumberjacks, highlighted by an impressive performance from Izzy Renn, who scored two goals.
The game began with immediate intensity as the Lumberjacks capitalized on an error from the Green Wave defense. After a pass was intercepted, Renn facilitated a swift attack, assisting Stella Schoonover, who found the net just two minutes into the match. “It’s a confidence builder,” said Lumberjacks head coach Logan Larsen regarding the team’s early lead. “We talk a lot about the next five minutes after a goal, and I think we still showed up after that rather than being just overly happy with one goal.”
Bemidji continued to push forward, maintaining pressure throughout the first half. They generated numerous high-quality scoring opportunities but struggled to convert them until the 29th minute. Abby Bokovoy delivered a well-timed pass to Kayce Christianson, who scored from close range, doubling the lead to 2-0.
The team’s consistent effort, especially in the first half, impressed Larsen. “We had a big talk at halftime,” he noted. “The energy was there, not quite as directed as we wanted, but at least compared to previous games, we had more consistent effort, better on the 50-50s.”
The first half concluded with Renn scoring her first goal of the night in the 36th minute, tapping in a corner kick from Ella Willford. The duo’s synergy continued into the second half when Renn found the net again in the 42nd minute, executing a well-placed shot over Green Wave goalkeeper Natalie Drees. With this performance, Renn now boasts five goals in her last five games, a streak that Larsen hopes brings her joy and satisfaction.
“I hope she’s really happy with herself because she’s a person who’s very hard on herself,” he added. “Hopefully, she’s just taking joy in it because she’s a worker, and you should get rewarded.”
The Lumberjacks’ dominant lead allowed players like Rylinn Larson to relax and enjoy the game, reflecting on their previous slower starts. “It definitely gave us a lot more excitement going into the game since the last couple of games have started off pretty slow,” Larson said.
Meanwhile, the Bemidji defense was resolute, allowing only one shot on goal, which was saved by goalkeeper Clara Bieber. This solid defensive performance contributed to a greater possession time, an aspect Larsen emphasized as needing improvement. “I was super impressed with what the defense did,” he remarked. “They just all back up each other and everything.”
Larson, in her third varsity game, adjusted well to the pace and intensity of the match. “It’s a lot faster of a play, and definitely the ball is moving a lot faster with the passes,” she stated. “I do it in the summer all the time, so it’s not that different from the summer play.”
The change in playing surface from natural grass to turf at Chet Anderson Stadium also presented a challenge. Larson noted, “The ball’s definitely moving a lot faster. But still, it was very fun.”
Larsen expressed satisfaction with the contributions from junior varsity players like Larson, Rylee Story, and Hannah Quinn, who made the most of their opportunities under the stadium lights. “They had very good games for jumping into a game with a lot of atmosphere,” he said.
In summary, the Lumberjacks’ commanding victory over East Grand Forks not only showcased their skill on the field but also reinforced their growing confidence as they head deeper into the season. The final score reflected their determination and teamwork, setting a positive tone for upcoming matches.
