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Parker soccer team gives top-ranked Middleton a battle

JANESVILLE — Janesville Parker showed the strength of its mettle against top-ranked Middleton in Big Eight Conference girls soccer here Monday night.

Parker High became the first team this season to score on the undefeated Cardinals in a 3-1 loss. In fact, Parker had a 1-0 up to the 38-minute mark.

“The way to stay with Middleton is to attack them so they don’t run with the ball,” Parker coach Matt Beisser said. “You keep them from running plays.’’

While the Vikings were successful in that regard, Middleton still prevailed. The Cardinals improved to 7-0 in the Big Eight and 13-0 overall, while Parker fell to 4-3 and 13-5.

The Vikings’ Kelsey Bysted scored and unassisted goal 10 minutes into the game. Middleton tied it at the 38-minute mark and took the lead for good on a penalty kick with a minute left in the first half.

“The difference with Middleton is they can make subs and still play at high level,” Beisser said.

The Vikings played Middleton to a standstill in the second half. The Cardinals scored the final goal with a minute remaining.

“We played them straight up,” Beisser said, “We proved with can play with them.”

Sam Anacker, the Vikings’ goal keeper, made 13 saves and earned her coach’s praise.

“Sam Anacker kept us in the game,” Beisser said. “She made some big saves, and we just followed her lead.’’

Parker travels to Madison Memorial for a 7 p.m. game today.

MIDDLETON 3, PARKER 1

Middleton 2 1—3

Janesville Parker 1 0—1

First Half

JP—Kesley Bysted (unassisted), 10:00. M—Bechtol (unassisted), 38:00. M—Smith (penalty kick), 39:00.

Second Half

M—Bobos (unassisted), 79:00.

Saves—Gunderson (M) 5, Sam Anacker (JP) 13.