WILLMAR -- The Willmar girls soccer team started the 2007 season with more determination and energy despite losing to Minnewaska 1-0 in non-conference action Thursday.
The Cardinals have had to digest new coach Jeff Winter's defensive scheme in less than two weeks.
"I was very pleased with our intensity level and our defense," he said. "We haven't worked a lot on our offense, but we had a lot of nice passes from midfield.
"We had just as many opportunities as they did."
The Cardinals (0-1) had a chance to take the lead toward the end of the first half, but the shot sailed wide.
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Willmar rallied for another attempt in the second half, getting the ball past the Lakers' goalie, but a Minnewaska defender made the save.
The Lakers scored in the 76th minute to take the lead.
Willmar goalie Chelsey Wierschem made three saves.
The Cardinals will host Mankato East at 1 p.m. Saturday at Kennedy Elementary. Their Central Lakes Conference opener will be Tuesday at Alexandria.
Minnewaska 1, Willmar 0
Minnewaska (1-0) 0 1 -- 1
Willmar (0-1) 0 0 -- 0
FIRST HALF - no scoring
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SECOND HALF - Min: not available, 76:00
Shots on goal - Minnewaska: 6 ... Willmar: 4
Goalie saves - Minnewaska: not available ... Willmar: Chelsey Wierschem 3
Defensive saves -- Minnewaska: not available ... Willmar: none
