Harrisburg dominated possession of the ball and as a result kept Aberdeen Central off the scoreboard Tuesday evening at Brownell Activities Complex.

The top-rated Tigers claimed a 2-0 Eastern South Dakota Conference girls’ soccer victory.

“We just got to do a better job of getting control of the ball and finding spaces,” said Central coach Merle Aske. “We did too much hiding behind the defenders today and not finding those open spots where we can actually receive a pass, so we were just giving up possession too quickly. They were pushing us off the ball and we were allowing it to happen. We have to get stronger.”

The Tigers scored once in each half and dictated the terms of the contest, controlling possession of the ball for long stretches of time.

“We have to play our game. We did not play our game today,” Aske said. “We basically played their game and that means you’re defending a lot and you’re not getting possession of the ball enough, and when you’re on your heels all the time and you’re trying to keep them from getting shots off, then you’re in trouble.”

On the rare occasions when the Golden Eagles did have the ball, they were unable to maintain it for long.

“I think we had a tough time connecting the ball in the midfield a lot,” said Central’s Kaylee Donat.

She said her team is at its best when it comes out and plays aggressively from the opening whistle.

“We really like to come out strong,” Donat said. “I think that’s our best bet, is come out and attack as hard as we can.”

While Harrisburg was able to put 13 shots on the Aberdeen goal, they Tigers managed just two goals because of the solid play of backup goalkeeper Ava Beck.

“This is her first varsity start. We just had an injury. She stepped up. She played really well,” Aske said. “She made big saves. She did everything we expected of her. We just have to score goals on the other end.”

Central lost nine starters from a year ago, so new players have had to step into new roles. Donat said the Eagles are making progress.

“I think we’re getting more of like the feel of it,” Donat said. “We’re connecting better and attacking more.”

Donat is doing her best to help the cause. The junior is one of three captains on the squad along with seniors Gracie Lozenski and Kirra Stillman.

“I try my best,” Donat said. “Kirra is a good example. I really try to follow her lead and take over when I can.”

The Golden Eagles, 2-2 on the season, play at Rapid City Central on Friday and at Rapid City Stevens on Saturday.

“We’ve got two big games out in Rapid. They’ll be two tough games for us,” Aske said. “It’s always a tough trip to go out there, but we’re happy to have those Rapid schools back on our schedule.”

Harrisburg 1 1 – 2

Aberdeen Central 0 0 – 0

First Half: 1, H, Isabella Smithback, 13th minute.

Second Half: 2, H, Bria Miller, 54th minute.

Shots: Harrisburg 22 shots, 13 on goal; Aberdeen Central 8 shots, 6 on goal.

Goalies: Harrisburg, Hailey Kaufman (4 saves), Regan Schelske (3 saves); Aberdeen Central, Ava Beck (11 saves).