Despite allowing four goals in a 4-2 loss to Wright City, the Mexico girls thought they played a good game of soccer.

Mexico vs Wright City Photo Gallery

The Lady Bulldogs led 2-0 at halftime thanks to two goals by Claire Hudson before Paige Kirn scored a career-high four goals to lead the Lady Wildcats to their sixth straight victory over Mexico. 

Mexico (2-4) lost its first game against a district opponent this season, and head coach Sarah Olson said there wasn’t much else the Lady Bulldogs could have done better. If she had to point to one thing, Olson said the offensive pressure wasn’t as strong in the second half, with Wright City (1-1) outnumbering Mexico in second-half shots 11-3.

“In the first half, we were able to get the ball on our side of the field and keep it there,” Olson said. “In the second half, we couldn’t keep it there.”

Mexico has been able to play all of its first six games on Chris Hotop Field but all within a time period of a little over a week. Olson said fatigue or the incessant rain aren’t as much of an explanation as Wright City’s skill.

Kirn’s ball handling led to three of her goals, including her third she scored on a penalty kick following a foul called on Kenley Jones. Olson said Jones, Liz Joiner and the other Mexico defenders couldn’t have done a much better job as they didn’t give Kirn or the other Lady Wildcats much space.

“Yes, we got outplayed in the second half,” Olson said. “I don’t know that I would change that much. Kenley was right there every time (Kirn) got the ball, and then Liz would back her up. Our defense did the right thing. Our outside midfielders were back. We weren’t necessarily weak or out of position. They were good and were able to finish.”

Olson said having this type of assessment of her team shows that progress is being made. She said the way the Lady Bulldogs played in the first half demonstrates this as well.

Several times, Mexico was launching outlet passes down the field that resulted in scoring opportunities at the other end. Hudson ran down a ball for her first goal 28 minutes in and then she had another ball at her feet 10 minutes later before crossing it in the net while falling down on the drenched turf.

“They figured that out by themselves,” Olson said. “They’re figuring it out and playing better soccer for sure. They’re doing a better job of recognizing some things and executing.”

After not having middle center back Emily Moppin for both Chris Hotop Classic games on Saturday, Olson said it was nice having her back because she affected the game and helped set up those scoring opportunities.

“You saw very much how good Emily is with the ball at her feet,” Olson said. “Her touch is very good. She is able to settle the ball, keep it for a while and then distribute.”

Mexico comes off its first game against a district opponent to play its first North Central Missouri Conference opponent around 6:30 p.m. tonight at Kirksville (3-2). Olson said the Lady Bulldogs should feel good as they look to snap a seven-game losing streak to the Lady Tigers.

“Overall, we played a good game,” Olson said. “They’re a good team, though. We were able to stop them a little more in the first half. I thought (goalkeeper) Katie Crews played great. Most of those goals, she couldn’t have saved.”