BROOKINGS – Aberdeen Central controlled the middle of the field and also controlled the scoreboard against Brookings on Saturday afternoon. The Golden Eagles recorded a 3-1 girls’ soccer in Eastern South Dakota Conference action.

“I thought we did a good job of controlling the pace of the game,” said Central coach Merle Aske. “Gracie (Lozenski), Kaylee Donat, and Kaylee Kiesow did a good job of controlling the middle of the field and getting it to the wings.”

As a result, the Golden Eagles were able to get off 34 shots in the contest, including 17 on frame.

Not only did that allow Central plenty of scoring chances, it prevented the Bobcats from doing much damage.

“That’s the biggest thing, is when we’re playing on their offensive end, they’re not shooting on our goal,” Aske said. “That’s a big key.”

And when Brookings did possess the ball on Central’s side of the pitch, goalie Taylor Thorstenson was up to the challenge.

“Taylor came up and made a couple of big saves. She had one breakaway that she made a save on,” Aske said. “Taylor Thorstenson did a good job today. She kept everything where it was supposed to be.”

Central received goals from Brianna Fischer in the 15th minute, only to have Brookings respond seven minutes later. Eliana Aberle scored on an assist from Fischer before the end of the half, and then Keyana Stilman scored in the second half for the final margin of difference.

The Eagles, 2-1 on the season, have a big week ahead, hosting defending State A champion Harrisburg at 6 p.m. Tuesday, before playing at Rapid City Central on Friday, and Rapid City Stevens on Saturday.

“It will be a big week for us,” Aske said. “We’ll really see where we’re at and where we’ve got to go.”

Aberdeen Central 2 1 – 3

Brookings 1 0 – 1

First Half: 1, AC, Brianna Fischer (Ryelynn Hammer), 15th minute; 2, B, Lexington Erp, 22nd minute; 3, AC, Eliana Aberle (Fischer), 36th minute.

Second Half: 4, AC, Keyana Stillman (Addison Miller), 60th minute.

Shots: Aberdeen Central 34, 17 on goal; Brookings, 18, 7 on goal.

Goalies: Aberdeen Central, Taylor Thorstenson (6 saves); Brookings, Ashley Rients (10 saves), Ramsie Heinrich (4 saves).