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Otter Girls Hand Brainerd Their First Loss in a Thrilling 2-1 Win

By Craig Olson, 09/22/21, 12:30AM CDT

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Fergus Falls turned up the defensive pressure on Tuesday night and stymied the potent Brainerd girls’ soccer team as the Otters recorded a 2-1 victory over the Warriors at the Otter Stadium Field.  It was the first loss of the season for Brainerd.

The visitors scored 3 ½ minutes into the game on beautiful cross from Emma Sheflo to a crashing Lexi McElfresh who placed the ball into the back of the net.

Brainerd dominated in possession and put many shots on goal or just wide of the net as the Otters turned to their leading scorer on the season, Tyra Skjeret to occupy the goal.  “We had both of our goalkeeper’s out tonight with injuries,” noted Head Coach Ben Jurgens.  “Tyra stepped up big time!”

Just 1 ½ minutes into the second half Kiara Grady pounded a shot into the back of the net form 27 yards out to tie the game.  Ten minutes later the Otters scored what would amount to be the game winner when Hope Goepferd’s shot from the right side deflected off a Brainerd defender into the net.

Jurgens added, “Brainerd continued to control possession, however, our players did a wonderful job getting in their passing lanes and our outside defense, Kiara Grady and Maddie Hulter were outstanding tonight.  And, of course, the goaltending of Tyra Skjeret.  Our bench was amazing tonight as they played their best game of the year.  This is a big win for these girls and our Otter program.  Our team played really well last week and it’s carried over to this week.  The girls should be proud.  They deserve it.”

Fergus Falls will play at Willmar on Thursday night.