BOUNTIFUL — After a scoreless regulation and overtime, penalty shootouts were needed to find a winner between undefeated Viewmont and one-loss Bonneville. Each side had their opportunities in regulation and overtime, with a Vikings shot being saved by Laker goalkeeper Abree Beardall, one more off the post and a possible Vikings goal called back. A Bonneville shot in overtime that could have won it went wide and it was off to a penalty kick shootout.
In the shootout, the first two players from each team made their penalty shots. With the shootout tied at two, Sadie Beardall made her PK and Abree Beardall saved the ensuing Viewmont penalty kick by Brynn Rees. It would turn out to be the difference in the game.
“It could have gone either way. Honestly, they had their opportunities, we had ours and it was one of those were hats off to Viewmont. They’re a dang good team, but our girls figured it out to come out and get on top.” — Bonneville head coach Gavin Garside said.
“My sister used to play with her (Rees) and I know how she kicks. I just looked back in the past at how she kicked and do everything I can,” Beardall said. “I just felt like that I just need to focus up and play my game. I think to myself that I can do this and don’t ever hesitate. At the end I did pretty good.”
The game ended when Gracie East nailed her penalty shot to give the Lakers a 0-0 (5-4) win in penalty kicks.
“It could have gone either way. Honestly, they had their opportunities, we had ours and it was one of those were hats off to Viewmont. They’re a dang good team, but our girls figured it out to come out and get on top,” Bonneville head coach Gavin Garside said.
Abree Beardall was huge in both regulation, overtime and during penalty kicks.
“All 15 girls that played, they played huge. If I were to point credit towards like one for be the player of the match, I’d probably say my keeper. She came out huge on a couple of big saves that made the difference,” Garside said. “She’s for real, she’s explosive, she’s patient and she gets the job done.”
It was the first loss for Viewmont, who previously was unbeaten. Bonneville improved to 10-1 on the season.
“You always want to come out with a win, right? Whether it’s an undefeated team or a team that hasn’t gotten a single win the whole season, and that’s something that the girls this whole season, just the focus, that doesn’t matter who we’re playing, we just got to come out and play,” Garside said.
Bonneville’s defense was key, holding Viewmont to zero goals, the first time that the Vikings had been held scoreless in the 2020 season. Viewmont had a few chances, but overall, the Lakers were able to limit the number of goal-scoring opportunities.
“We have the same strategy going into every game and it’s something where it works. Don’t let the other team turn and get the ball up field. That’s the game. It’s worked and it’s something that if we continue doing that and continue developing, it’s going to be a good season,” Garside said.