Bennies narrowly lose MIAC title by one goal

St. Ben’s soccer team saw their season come to an end in St. Paul on Nov. 6.

The Bennies started the season 2-3 after playing four top-nine teams in the region. Their last game of that stretch was against an outstanding St. Kate’s squad, falling 1-0 on Sept. 15. Since that loss, the Bennies had an impressive 9-0-3 record going into the MIAC Championship against St. Kate’s.

Senior Clara Noack was most proud of how, despite a rough start, the team stayed positive and managed to come back and get the second seed.

St. Ben’s game plan was less focused on St. Kate’s and more geared toward their own strengths.

“It was important to “defend exactly the way we’ve been trying to defend the entire season, attack together the way we’ve prepared to, and be solid on corners and free kicks,” said head coach Steve Kimble.

The game was in a 0-0 stalemate until the 44th minute, when St. Kate’s Lauren Witte scored on an assist from Charlee Adam to put the Wildcats up 1-0 going into the second half of play.

In the second half, the Bennies outshot the Wildcats on goal 4-3. Although the Bennies got early shots in the half from Noack and Chloe Miller, and late shots from Abby Willenbring and Lindsay Mueller, they couldn’t manage to put any in the net.

Goalkeeper Paige Kahlmeyer saved all three shots she faced in the second half.

Despite a valiant effort, the Bennies had the same result as their first matchup with the Wildcats, falling 1-0. Even in a loss, Kimble had no regrets.

He said that he and his assistants wouldn’t have done anything different. Big games come down to preparation and all Bennies could control was playing like they have been preparing to play since August.

The worst part of any Division III collegiate season coming to an end is that it usually marks the last time any of the seniors will compete in their sport.

Noack stressed the importance of enjoying the moment.

“It’s hard to do with a lot of pressure, but that was my last soccer game so I wanted to soak it in,” Noack said.

The Bennies had four outstanding seniors on and off the field.

Senior Roxy Veldman was an outstanding forward for the Bennies, recording eight goals (4th in the MIAC) and two assists. She was awarded CSB Offensive Player of the Year for the 2020-21 season. Having been a regular player since her first year, Veldman had a substantial impact on the program and will certainly be missed in 2022.

Margo Achterkirk was a solid defender for the Bennies, but her greatest impact was off the field.

Achterkirk is playing time this year because of injury but still found a way to make an impact.

She ensured that she could still be an important player by keeping the energy high on the sidelines and maintaining a positive attitude.

Makayla Firminger was a defender alongside Achterkirk for the Bennies and like Achterkirk demonstrated outstanding leadership skills.

“[Firminger exemplified leadership], always doing all of the right things and leading the team extremely well,” Kimble said.

Noack was a phenomenal midfielder for the Bennies, tallying two goals and an assist in her senior campaign.

Noack won CSB Midfielder of the Year in the 2020-21 season, having a profound impact on the team.

All four seniors brought their own unique skill set to the table. Together, they did a great job of uniting the team and making sure they remained persistent when things went south.

Junior Grace Navara was one player who was impacted by the senior class. Off the field they had a large impact.

“[They were] teaching the team how to be consistently supportive of one another and how to push each other to be the best,” said Navara. “We will hold onto the values that the seniors brought to the team.”

Younger players echoed the sentiments.

“[They did a] great job bringing many new faces together and creating a close-knit team,” said sophomore Ashlen LeVoir.