Strong defense leads Marshfield girls soccer to WIAA regional semifinal win over Menomonie

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MarshfieldAreaSports.com

MARSHFIELD – Darian Molter scored twice and Emily Wolfe added a goal and an assist to lead the Marshfield girls soccer team to a 3-0 win over Menomonie in a WIAA Division 1 regional semifinal on Thursday at Griese Park.

The Tigers (13-6-2) will play Rhinelander (18-5-2) in a regional final Saturday at 5 p.m. at D.C. Everest Middle School in Weston.

Molter scored at the 23:20 mark of the first half with a header off a pass from Wolfe to give the Tigers the lead, which held to halftime.

Molter maneuvered through a maze of players to score at the 16:02 mark and Wolfe added the final goal at the 67:02 mark, with Alison Gruen assisting.

Jala Zahn saved all four shots she saw for the Tigers for the team’s ninth shutout of the season. Marshfield is are looking to reach sectionals for the second straight season.

“It is nice to get the first win in the playoffs and now we will really have to step it up as we will face a very talented Rhinelander team,” Marshfield coach Steve Lindner said. “It should be a great matchup as we are playing well and we know Rhinelander has done the same all season long.

“We are confident we can do well if we can step hard to the ball and win the loose ball battles. It will be exciting for both teams and should be a heck of a match.”

Lindner said Marshfield will again have to step up its defense game against the Hodags, who averages 3.76 goals per game. The Tigers allow just 1.18 scores per contest.

“The defense and midfield play were their consistent selves tonight and the group just do not get the recognition they deserve,” Lindner said. “Our defense have game-in and game-out done a nice job and again showed they are a force to be reckoned with.

“We have stressed all year that defense starts on top and the forwards and the midfielders are very integral in working with the defenders for success.”