STURGIS, S.D. — The Spearfish Spartans girls soccer team nearly erased a three-goal deficit Monday, but its comeback came up just short in a 3-2 road loss to the Sturgis Scoopers.
Sturgis controlled the early portion of the match and built a 3-0 advantage during the first half. Spearfish, however, found a spark before heading into halftime.
With 5:50 remaining in the opening half, Hope Galbraith found the back of the net for the Spartans, cutting the Sturgis advantage to 3-1 and giving Spearfish some momentum heading into the break.
The Spartans continued to battle in the second half and eventually pulled within one.
Sophia Cid-Kern-Mohr scored with 12:38 remaining in the match, trimming the Scoopers’ lead to 3-2 and putting Spearfish within striking distance of completing the comeback.
The Spartans were unable to find the equalizer over the final minutes, allowing Sturgis to hold on for the 3-2 victory.
Despite the loss, Spearfish’s response after falling behind 3-0 gave the Spartans an opportunity late in the match. Galbraith and Cid-Kern-Mohr provided the two goals as Spearfish held Sturgis scoreless following its early three-goal advantage.
The loss drops the Spartans to 2-8 on the season.
Spearfish will have a quick turnaround when it returns to action Thursday, Sept. 17, against Douglas/New Underwood. The girls match is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m.