Cardinals show grit against Central but still fall short

The Benton girls soccer team, still looking for its first win, will have to wait for that first victory after suffering a 1-0 loss to Central on Monday.

Despite a stark difference in record this season, the Cardinals were able to leave Central scoreless in the first 40 minutes and hold its own for the majority of the contest. 

As Central was able to routinely weave through the Cardinal defense and find shots on the goal, freshman goalkeeper Landyn Gabler was able to tally eight saves in the first half, leaving a 7-4 Central team scoreless after the first 40 minutes.

As for the offense of the Cardinals, who came into the game at 0-11, Central’s back line of defense was able keep Benton from having too many attempts at the goal, making it a quiet day for goalkeeper Madalynn Mathhews.

As Benton still seeks its first win of the season, the 1-0 loss to Central becomes the closest margin of defeat for the Cardinals with seven games remaining on the regular season schedule.

As for Central, the win over a fellow St. Joseph School District program snaps a three-game losing streak. Central is set to take to the road on Tuesday against North Kansas City in what will be a quick turnaround.