Women’s soccer: Warriors beat Sartell – Brainerd Dispatch

BRAINERD — On Tuesday, Sept. 17, it all came down to a corner kick.

The Brainerd Warriors scored both goals off corner kicks to secure a 2-0 Central Lakes Conference and Section 8-3A victory.

Both teams entered Tuesday’s game with 5-0 records in conference play.

“I think our depth was an issue tonight,” Warriors head coach Grant Gminder said. “We had 16 players tonight and we got some great performances off the bench. Makayla Green and Maddie Bertram both played great off the bench. I think our depth showed. We were quick. Kylie Thorns played 35 minutes in the second half, but that’s because those guys gave her some rest.”

The Warriors scored their first goal in the seventh minute of the first half.

Gracie Jakovich took the corner kick and assisted on Lily Desrosier’s goal to give Brainerd a 1-0 lead.

“We wanted to get one right away to get some security,” Jakovic said.

Gminder added, “Corner kicks have been a big weapon this year, and a big part of that is the work of our corner kick takers. They put the ball in great spots for our guys to attack. Gracie Jakovich made some great kicks tonight, as well as Makayla Green and Mia Nelson. It’s really a weapon.”

Gminder said Jakovic can also score from corners.

“She can score on corner kicks or she can assist,” Gminder said. “She can do both and she’s great. She’s been very aggressive this year and playing a new position. She loves to get forward on corner kicks and have a bit of fun, which is good.”

The Warriors made two shots in the first half and held a one-point lead.

“We just needed to stay calm and get some good touches,” Jakovic said. “We also wanted to push it forward on the field.”

With 10 minutes left, Jakovic assisted on Levi Lumiere’s goal and Brainard added another.

“It was good to score the second goal and go up 2-0,” said coach Djakovic.

The Warriors took 10 total shots, eight of which came in the second half, while Thurtell had seven shots, all of which were saved by Brainerd’s Chloe Patrick.

“I thought our defense played great with the way Satel set up,” Gminder said. “We had to communicate a little more tonight than we usually do, but I thought our guys did a good job, especially in the second half. Ava Last was great and seemed to be everywhere in the second half. I’m really proud of this defense.”

Brainerd improves to 7-2 overall and will host Sauk Rapids on Thursday, Sept. 19.

“This is a great win considering we struggled last year,” Jakovich said. “It’s a great win and hopefully we can stay undefeated in conference play this season.”

Gminder added: “We’re just trying to continue to be consistent. I’m just trying to get the players to understand that we haven’t had our ‘A-plus’ game yet. We want to continue to improve, keep working hard and try to bring our best to the end.”

CONRAD ENGSTROM can be reached at 218-855-5861 or conrad.engstrom@brainerddispatch.com. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/the_rad34.