Grundy Center/Gladbrook-Reinbeck’s Alex Yoder, far right, celebrates after scoring one of her two goals in the Rebels’ 2-0 win over Marshalltown on Monday, April 1, in Reinbeck. PHOTO BY JAKE RYDER

REINBECK — Marshalltown girls soccer couldn’t make up for a slow start on Monday, April 1.

Grundy Center/Gladbrook-Reinbeck junior Alex Yoder slashed MHS for two quick goals and GC/G-R’s solid defense preserved a 2-0 shutout on a cold, rainy evening at Gladbrook-Reinbeck High School.

“We weren’t really into the game and ready to go,” MHS head coach Stacy Galema said. “That’s something we need to look at as coaches to make sure we have them ready to play from the start — it’s hard with the weather, but you still gotta figure it out.”

Yoder scored within the first 60 seconds on a long cross from Dylinn Blohm that created a one-on-one opportunity for Yoder to slip one into the Bobcat goal. Around six minutes later, Jada Blohm sent a ball through the Bobcat defense to Yoder, who did a little more dribbling before pocketing her second tally into the opposite post.

“There were gaps in their defense where we were able to slot balls through and just make some runs and be able to cross,” Yoder said. “We started off strong and played fast the whole game and were really able to connect with our passes.”

Grundy Center/Gladbrook-Reinbeck’s Kali Aldrich (2) tries to get around Marshalltown defenders Aubrie Tejada, left, and Jorja Janssen (12) during the April 1 soccer match in Reinbeck. The host Rebels prevailed 2-0. PHOTO BY JAKE RYDER

GC/G-R kept pressuring Marshalltown in the following minutes, but Galema said the Bobcats were able to thaw out from a frozen start to even out possession and put a little pressure on GC/G-R’s defense before halftime.

“Our midfield was absent for that first 20 minutes or so and they really got into it more as the game went on,” Galema said. “We changed some people around a bit to get some help later on, it just all was a little too late.”

Early in the second half, Yuri Ramirez missed just high on MHS’ first best look at the net and Alexia Garcia had an angle later but couldn’t put one on net to challenge GC/G-R’s keeper Jaden Hansen.

Hansen was well-protected by the defensive unit in front of her, including junior captain Kayden Muller, underclassmen Olivia Riffey and Ayla Baer and senior multi-sport star Lucy Lebo.

“Kayden’s my wall back there protecting everyone else,” GC/G-R head coach Mandy Yoder said. “Lucy hasn’t played soccer since sixth or seventh grade so we’re still going through the basics with her, but she’s an athlete and has that natural progression to her. And Olivia and Ayla are two underclassmen that are holding their own. It’s a good group of girls that really want to compete.”

PHOTO BY JAKE RYDER

Monday was Marshalltown’s first loss after wins over Newton and Central Iowa United last week to start the season.

“They’re quick, especially up top,” Galema said of GC/G-R. “They’re not afraid to be a little physical at times. That’s good for us to see something a little different going into the rest of the week.”

Mandy Yoder took over as head coach this season for GC/G-R, with six years of experience as an assistant including under previous head coach Aaron Mara and almost two decades of time coaching youth programs at Cedar Valley Soccer Club.

“There’s a lot that goes into it but it’s such a good group of girls and they’re a blast to hang out with,” Mandy said.

GC/G-R notched their first victory after a season-opening 2-0 loss to Aplington-Parkersburg.

“We played tough the whole game and the defense was really good at communicating,” Alex Yoder said. “It felt really good.”