BY JIM MISUNAS
jmisunas@gbtribune.com

Great Bend soccer goalie Grecia Dominguez preserved a 2-0 shutout over Buhler Monday, the first Panther shutout at Cavanaugh Field. The Panthers (2-1) own a pair of wins after a 4-13 record in 2024.

Dominguez delivered several spectacular saves, highlighted by a close-range stop and a collision with Buhler's Kenedee Applegate at the 75:15 mark.

"I'm surprised and excited," Dominguez said. "I'm 100% happy. My defense helped me a lot."

Great Bend coach Noel Rodriguez was proud of his goalie. 

"Grecia played a big part," he said. "She stayed composed and made big saves."

Panther record-holder Xali Arias converted a 30-yard rocket off an assist by Greidys Moreno (16:51). Natalia Rodriguez converted a deflection past goalie Sammie Brooks off her own corner kick (60:49) for a second goal. 

"Xali is a special talent. Scoring a goal is not easy, but Xali makes it look easy," Rodriguez said.

Panthers' Arias and Teagen Guerra did a quality job with counter attacks off transition. Natalia Rodriguez also chipped in with quality offensive runs.

Buhler's Mikaela Jarrett, Natalya Krafels, Alyssa Berner and Juliette Shank had quality shots turned back by Dominguez. The Crusaders dictated the offensive possession at the start of the first and second halves.

"This shows we've got a team that fights and is growing," Rodriguez said. "Our girls are learning what it takes to fight through a game. We faced adversity at times. All-around, from our keeper to our defense, we stress that's soccer is a team game. Everyone did their job today. It starts with our forwards to our midfield. Our defense and goalie cleaned everything up."

The Crusaders (0-2) were the 4-1A state runner-up in 2022. 

"I'd rank this up there as one of the most complete soccer games we've played," Rodriguez said.. Buhler has talent. They're not an easy team to beat."

GREAT BEND 4, JUNCTION CITY 0 -- Great Bend won its third consecutive soccer game 4-0 over Junction City.