Defense Shines in Owatonna Soccer Victory [Player Interviews]

The Owatonna High School girls soccer team secured its fifth shutout of the season Tuesday night with a 2-0 win at Rochester John Marshall. It appeared the Rockets had broken the shutout in the closing minutes, but a ball was ruled out of bounds before it was centered for an apparent JM goal.

OHS senior keeper Emma Wolff got the clean sheet, and made several tough saves, but the defense was also strong in turning aside numerous chances from the tenacious Rockets. JM (2-7) has been shut out a few times this season, but put together several good scoring chances. Wolff made big saves on a corner kick and free kick in the first half and a ball she had to short-hop in the second half.

Hillary Haarstad scored off a corner kick by Abby Vetsch with seven minutes left in the first half. Haarstad also scored 12 minutes into the second half as she sprinted free of the defense for the 2-0 lead, and final score.

Hear an interview with senior defensemen Lexi and Lydia Nelson by clicking below. The twins each scored goals on senior night last week and were semifinalists for Homecoming queen.

OHS seniors Lydia and Lexi Nelson

The Huskies have won seven of their last eight games to improve to 8-4 overall on the season and 6-2 in the Big Nine Conference. OHS hosts Mankato West Thursday, September 30, goes to section rival Farmington Saturday, October 2, travels to conference-leading Mankato East Tuesday, October 5, and closes the season hosting Red Wing Thursday, October 7.

Owatonna is still in a fight for a home playoff match. Saturday's game at the Tigers will go a long way toward figuring out the section seeds.

KEEP LISTENING: Jump back a week to an interview with the Huskies two senior goalkeepers, Wolff and Auna Johnson.

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