Generals take two in their weekend opener
The Herkimer Generals Women’s Soccer Team opened up their 2017 campaign this past weekend with a pair of victories in the Coliseum Kickoff Classic. First up was nationally ranked #8 Nassau Lions on Saturday. The Generals wasted little time opening up the scoring for the season as freshman Sarah George (Dolgeville) finished off a pass from returner Mikayla Blumenstock (Poland) in the 9th minute for the only goal of the first half. The two weren’t done there as they teamed up again for a goal 8 minutes into the second half to extend the lead 2-0. Blumenstock would add another goal in the 73rd minute off a Hailey Couchman (Baldwinsville) pass for her last points of the day. Freshman Haley Harrington (Stockbridge) would cap off the scoring with a free kick in the 83rd minute for the 4-0 victory. M’Kenzie Bradshaw (Oswego) and Rachel Todd (McGraw) split time in the goal to preserve the shutout.
The Generals came back on Sunday to face perennial power College of DuPage from Illinois. Once again Sarah George wasted little time opening up the scoring account by striking 22 seconds into the game. Alexis Ramos (Proctor) broke down the defense to open up George for the finish. DuPage would capitalize on a couple mistakes to even the score 1-1 roughly 20 minutes after the opening tally. The tie score lasted less than two minutes as Mikayla Blumenstock turned to hit a great shot off a Maddie Renshaw through ball to put the halftime score at 2-1. After halftime the tandem of George & Blumenstock would strike again. In the 49th minute Blumenstock would find a wide open George who would then finish it for a 3-1 lead. Looking to solidify the win, Jenna Rogers would make a great run to collect her first goal of the year off an Amber Douglas (Fort Plain) pass for a 4-1 win. Bradshaw got the win in goal allowing just one and Todd shut DuPage down for the 2nd half. Coach Palkovic said, “Those are two great victories to start the season. The ladies have meshed very well and picked up the system rather quickly. It was a total team effort for the weekend. Caira Miles and the backs did what they needed to do, the midfield in particular Renshaw, Couchman, & Hannah Taylor controlled it both games and the duo of George and Blumenstock will hopefully continue to cause headaches for opposing defenses. Ramos & Alexis Romeyn also had strong games. This is a special group and I can’t wait to see what they might be able to accomplish.”