By: Bryan Giese
3 Goals, 3 Points, Torrent Return With Win Over Dakota
The Milwaukee Torrent left on Thursday morning for Morrehead, Minnesota with the goal of bringing home three points and a tie for second place in the standings. It took a team effort, but when they boarded the bus to come back home they achieved their goal with a 3-1 season sweep of the Dakota Fusion.
Fans of the Torrent women better start to take note. If you don’t want to miss seeing them score, you had better get to your seats early. After scoring twice in the first ten minutes last Wednesday, the Torrent netted their first goal on Friday in the 6 minute.
Torrent Strike First
Aubrey Krahn was able to jump start the team by finding space in the box and finishing a well placed cross from the left. Krahn has found her finishing confidence of late, scoring a goal in each of the last three matches.
Milwaukee would continue their hot start in the 16 minute. Midfielder Leah Celarek, who has been nothing but consistent all season with her play would give the Torrent a two goal lead. Celarek’s goal would come on a strong run between two defenders. The Torrent midfield exploited the lack of chemistry that has been built by the Fusions backline, and worked hard to play balls through, creating a number of chances.
After surrendering their first goal in the last three matches, the Torrent would make sure they got the victory after Gaby Zabala scored her first of the season. She would take a touch with her left to settle a ball played in to the left side of the box before burying a right footed shot past the Dakota Fusion goalkeeper.
The Torrent would maintain their 3-1 first half lead through the final whistle. After taking the early lead, Milwaukee spent the remainder of the match making it difficult for Dakota in the midfield and nearly impossible to penetrate the teams solid backline. Milwaukee looked to better their second half possession from their last match, which they accomplished Friday night with more consistency. They also continued to press and challenge Dakota with a quick transition.
Klimisch Gets First Win In Net
After Elaina LaMacchia logged over 165 minutes in the past 2 games,Sara Klimisch would get the start in net Friday. She would allow only one ball past her after it was played from right wing to left before being fired back across the goal mouth. After surrendering the goal to Dakota, Klimisch would rebound to have a strong performance.
Klimisch would have the benefit of playing behind one of the most solid backlines in the league. Kelli Swenson, Bonnie Lacey, Katie Koker and Emma Keckeisen played another defensive clinic together. Their ability to work and communicate together was compounded with the stellar midfield play the Torrent executed throughout the match on Friday.
“We’ve improved with each game we’ve played,” stated Head Coach Mark Litton. “But tonight’s game shows that even with the win, we still are a work in progress. We’ve been very successful as of late but I feel we still have more to show.”
Torrent Move Into Second Place Tie
With the win, the Torrent women have improved their unbeaten streak to four straight. After spending the first few weeks building their chemistry, Milwaukee has improved to a second place tie in the conference standings. Having played one match fewer, the Torrent will have the opportunity to take sole possession when they return home on Sunday afternoon to take on Chicago City.
“With four league games remaining, the best has yet to come,” said Litton. “We are only getting better and better. It’s been exciting to watch them grow as a team.”
