Cougars can't find offense against Cadets

North Putnam sophomore Claire Sims makes a save as senior defenders Anna Sims (6) and Haven Trent look on. (Banner Graphic/GRANT WIEMAN)

ROACHDALE -- The North Putnam girls' soccer team tried a new mentality against visiting Cascade on Tuesday.

Instead of sitting back and relying on its defense, NPHS kept their backline further up and tried to put pressure on the Cadets. The strategy was effective, NPHS coach Willie Gaskins said, but Cascade won the game 2-0.

"They played a notch above us tonight," Gaskins said of his West Central Conference rival.

The Cadets scored both goals in the first half -- one on a drive to the corner and the other on an aggressive attack, both by sophomore Madison Berg -- but North Putnam's advanced defenders kept Cascade from getting too deep into its territory.

Cascade attempted 27 shots, but only 15 were on net and most came from outside the 18-yard box.

The Cougars (8-8, 1-2 WCC) celebrated senior night on Tuesday in their final game of the regular season. Rebecca Booth, Autumn Wolf, Anna Sims and Haven Trent took the field at North Putnam for the final time.

"All my seniors played phenomenal," Gaskins said.

While the flow of play was shifted more toward the Cascade side of the field, North Putnam was still unable to get many good looks.

The Cadets compacted defense and speed limited the Cougars to just eight shots.

With the regular season wrapped up, North Putnam can now focus its attention on sectionals and first-round opponent Western Boone. The Cougars have already faced the Stars twice this year, losing 3-1 and 2-0 in the prior meetings.

Gaskins said he is confident the team will have the right recipe next time.

"We're looking forward to it," Gaskins said. "I'm ready for it; the team is ready for it."

North Putnam seniors (from left) Anna Sims, Rebecca Booth, Chasity Centeno, coach Willie Gaskins, Haven Trent, Autumn Wolf and manager Krista Lawhorn.

At North Putnam
Cascade..............2 0 -- 2
North Putnam.....0 0 -- 0