By RYAN NILSSON
Special to the Herald-Whig
COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Rock Bridge girls soccer coach Kelly Gates likes the varsity team towatch the Bruins junior varsity squad play before their game. It's a sign of support.
Gates felt an exception had to be made Tuesday. The Bruins entered their game against Quincy Notre Dame with just two goals in their last six games, all losses.
So while the junior varsity played on Rock Bridge Field, the varsity team gathered for a meeting. The opportunity for players and coaches to clear the air had the desired effect.
The Bruins defeated the once-beaten Lady Raiders 1-0 behind Lauren Kelly's 19th-minute goal.
"It was good, because a lot of us were frustrated," Kelly said. "We were just holding in grudges, and we were just holding in frustration that may not have been anything to do with a player. We were just frustrated that we were losing, frustrated that we just couldn't seem to get over the hump.
"I think just getting everything out on the field and just everyone knowing where everyone stands on the team definitely helped out."
Both teams played without significant contributors.
QND (7-2-2) was missing four players -- forwards Leigh McLaughlin (groin) and Mercedee Esterlein (ankle), and defenders Hannah Stroot (foot) and Kayla Struck (knee).
"We were kinda hurting," QND coach Mark Longo said. "Up on the front line, it's a big impact, and since Hannah and Kayla have been out (for four games), we haven't had a shutout. It hurts us on both ends."
Longo questioned if any of those four would be available for this weekend's Quincy High School Tournament.
The Bruins (3-10) played without five injured starters who have accounted for half of the team's goals this season.
That left Kelly, the team leader with five goals, to shoulder the scoring burden. She delivered when she beat onrushing QND goalkeeper Megan Rabe with a left-footed shot.
Kelsey Reimler set up the goal by playing a through ball toward the left corner for Kelly.
"We played a lot together last year and I knew she was gonna try to slice the defenders and put it into that corner," Kelly said.
The Lady Raiders, playing for the first time this season on artificial turf, had a couple chances to score the equalizer.
In the 30th minute, Rock Bridge goalkeeper Carrie Levy made a diving save at the near post to stop Erin Thomas' shot. Thomas had another good chance in the 68th minute, but Alex Reis' free kick into the box sailed just over her head.
"We played fairly well on a field that is completely different for our girls," said Longo. "It didn't bother us a whole lot. I wish we had one. It wasn't the reason we lost."
