SIOUX FALLS – Aberdeen Central got off to a solid start, but could not sustain it in a season-ending 4-1 setback to top-seeded Sioux Falls Lincoln in Class AA boys’ soccer playoff action on Saturday afternoon.

“We got off to a pretty good start and played a really good first half,” said Central coach Lance Mohr.

The Golden Eagles were holding their own in the early stages of the second half until the Patriots scored their second goal of the contest. That marked the beginning of the end.

“Second half we came out well,” Mohr said, “and after we gave up the second goal we couldn’t dig ourselves out.”

Mohr said the Eagles made a few errors and Lincoln took advantage of that to help fuel the outcome.

“We were punished on some mistakes today that really hurt us,” Mohr said.

Central’s only goal of the game actually was an own goal by the Patriots after a Lincoln player took a cross from Creighton Aberle and accidentally put is in his team’s net.

The Golden Eagles concluded their season with a 9-5 record which saw the squad lose its first three games to start the season and then win nine out of 10 before coming up short against Lincoln.

“The season as a whole felt like a roller coaster. Not in a bad way, but lots of ups and downs,” Mohr said. “We managed to play some really good soccer, but ultimately fell short in the end from achieving our goals.”