Dogies fall at Gering — Short bench challenges Dogies

The Newcastle Dogies boys soccer team continued its early-season slate on Tuesday, April 7, traveling to Gering, Nebraska, where they fell 9-0 to the Bulldogs.

The Dogies held their ground early, keeping Gering off the board until the 27:57 mark of the first half. The Bulldogs added one more goal with 5:20 remaining before halftime to take a 2-0 lead into the break.

Gering found its rhythm in the second half, scoring seven goals to pull away for the win.

Despite the lopsided final score, head coach Travis Thomas noted that his team continues to show improvement.

“The score doesn’t show it, but we are growing in small strides each game,” Thomas said.

Newcastle created limited offensive opportunities but made the most of them, with Davyn Hoffman recording the team’s lone shot on goal. Thomas highlighted the team’s effort and execution in stretches of play.

“The boys had some great through balls to the corners and hustled after every loose ball,” he said.

Fatigue became a factor late in the contest, as the Dogies were short-handed and without substitutes.

“In the end, playing down a man and having no subs left us tired at the end of the game,” Thomas said.

Goalkeeper Damian Ankeney was kept busy throughout the match, finishing with 20 saves.

With the loss, Newcastle falls to 0-2 on the season.

The Dogies will open conference play at home on Friday, April 10, when they host the Worland Warriors. They will then travel to Douglas on Saturday, April 11, to face the Bearcats.

Dogies 0, Bulldogs 9

Goals: none
Shots on goal: Davyn Hoffman 1
Saves: Damian Ankeney 20