Vandals improving in each soccer game

The Vandalia High School soccer team has done no better than a draw this season, but the young team has still taken strides in the right direction.
Coach Walt Kinney said the team has shown improvement in each game, and while the collective results appear to read otherwise, Kinney said his team could be in line for a win very soon.
“Definitely,” Kinney said. “We have a game Thursday against Centralia, who we tied a week ago.
“I know we’ve improved since that game, and if they are still where they were at, we can pull out a win.”
One of the keys to scoring a victory is the team’s defense.
Kinney said that even though many of the scores this season have been lopsided, the defense has played well.
“Our defense has been pretty solid all year,” Kinney said. “We just need to tighten up the screws a little bit on the transition games.”
The transition game hasn’t struggled because of poor hustle, though. Even though the team is losing, the players have not shown a lack of effort at any point this season.
“They haven’t given up,” Kinney said. “They come out every day and give it their all. If you get that, then you’re doing pretty well.”
After facing Centralia Thursday, the Vandals will travel to Gillespie on Tuesday and host East Alton-Wood River on Wednesday.
Tuesday, Sept. 14
vs. Hillsboro
Vandalia lost to Hillsboro 5-0 on Tuesday. Goalie Austa Keppler had 11 saves. The JV squad lost 2-0.
Monday, Sept. 13
vs. Litchfield
Vandalia lost 5-1 to Litchfield on Monday. Lucas McDowell scored the team’s goal. Keppler had nine saves in the match.
The JV squad was shut out 5-0.
Saturday, Sept. 11
at Roxana
The Vandals lost to Roxana 7-0 on Saturday. Keppler had 10  saves in the match.