It’s not the start coach Haley Schafer would like, but her 0-3 Bulldogs are not slacking.

“While the scores do not show it, this group is making big improvements,” she observed.

In the opener, Mexico’s young squad, many of whom are new to soccer, failed to hold their shape on defense and move the ball on the attack. Although they fell 8-0 to Warrenton on Thursday, they created opportunities to counter, moving the ball to the wings and up the field readily.

At Fatima last Tuesday, Estrella Lopez took a feed from Wyndee Bohr and put it in the back of the net for the Bulldogs’ first goal of the season.

Jamilet Medina Lucas followed up, with an assist from Samantha Joiner.

Mexico lost 10-2 thanks to a career night by Fatima striker Erika Pope, who racked up 8 goals. Trouble marking inside the box put goalkeeper Tessa Haefling under severe pressure. But she held up, recording 12 saves.

On Thursday against Warrenton, Haefling received more help from her back line.

“The defense made strong strides in the right direction, making big changes in their marking,” Schafer said. “I am so proud of how well they are applying the skills we are working on in practice to the game.”