Soccer: Pioneers fall to talented Dexter 3-1

By Patrick Sloan-Turner / WLD

An early Dexter goal from junior midfielder Cadi Murphy set the tone in an imposing 3-1 victory over Ann Arbor Pioneer on Thursday night.

The Ball State commit found the back of the net on an impressive free-kick from 20 yards out that dipped under the bar just 6 minutes into the game.

The Dreadnaughts controlled possession for most of the first half, attacking the Pioneers’ defense with multiple scoring chances on the offensive end.  While the second half featured more even play between the two teams, Dexter was able to add two more goals and secure the win.

“We did well in the first half to control most of the play,” said Dexter coach Casey Bantle. “The second half was a little looser, but we have a couple of really good players who can open things up on their own, so we were still able to generate goal-scoring opportunities.”

Dexter’s remaining two goals came in the second half, as sophomore Cece Palazzolo and junior Bella Malek were able to convert chances inside the penalty area.

Pioneer’s Victoria Nweze was able to show off her pace in the second half, grabbing the lone goal for her squad on an impressive run down the right side that was capped off with a far-post finish to put her team in the scoring column.

Thursday’s win makes it two in a row for the Dreadnaughts as their record improves to 3-2-1 overall (2-1 SEC White).  Dexter will travel to Jackson Saturday to face the Vikings at 11 a.m.

The loss drops Pioneer to 2-3 overall (2-2 SEC Red).  They’ll travel to Saline for a noon matchup on Saturday against the Hornets.