The Cannon Falls Bombers girls’ soccer season has officially come to a close. Although the Bombers’ record does not overtly show it, this season has been one with considerable improvements.

First, the Bombers improved their record from last season to this season. Last season, the Bombers only won one game; however, this season, the Bombers not only had two wins, but also had two ties. In addition to having two wins, one of the wins was against Stewartville, which was a conference game, making the win just a little sweeter. Head Coach Erika Schwede and senior captain, Annika Rickert, agreed that the win against Stewartville was huge. The team’s other win was against Triton, where they took a four-to-one victory, and senior captain Ava Hanson added that the win against Triton was also big.

Second, the Bombers improved their performance on the field immensely. Coach Schwede mentioned that these improvements were seen in all aspects of the game. But, she specifically noted that they really improved their passing, saying, “we were able to find feet and keep the ball on the ground while passing,” which is important in the game of soccer.

Third, after losing a handful of seniors last year, many girls were stepping into new roles on the team. Last year, the Bombers lost five seniors. Coach Schwede added that the beginning of the year was tough with losing so many girls. With the loss of many seniors, many players were thrown into new positions. But nonetheless, Coach Schwede stated, “they just nodded their heads, accepted their new positions, and gave it all they had.”

Lastly, Coach Schwede voiced that the team achieved their goal that they had set for the season. The goal was to “start the game strong, finish stronger.” This was also the team’s motto for the season. Schwede also remarked that the Bombers, “showed up and played their best game for each game.”

Although the Bombers improved greatly throughout the season, all good things come to an end. The team lost in the first round of playoffs against Fairmont. Conditions for the game were very poor with sideways rain, forty mile an hour wind gusts, all while being a measly forty-seven degrees. Nevertheless, coach Schwede said, “the girls played hard and left it all on the field.” This year’s season was successful in terms of improvement, so with having such a young team this year, the future is looking bright for the Cannon Falls Bombers girl’s soccer team.