Garden City snaps 34-game unbeaten streak against Hutchinson in 1-0 victory

GARDEN CITY – Garden City ended Hutchinson Community College's historic dominance in their series with a 1-0 victory Saturday at Broncbuster Stadium, snapping the Blue Dragons' 34-game unbeaten streak against the Broncbusters.

Summer Barrett scored the game's only goal in the 53rd minute, capitalizing on a turnover to give Garden City its first win over Hutchinson since the programs began meeting. The Blue Dragons had been 33-0-1 all-time against Garden City entering Saturday's Jayhawk Conference matchup.

The decisive goal came when Hutchinson turned the ball over under pressure about 45 yards from goal. Tahlia Alvey found Barrett with a lofted pass, and Barrett drove to the left side before scoring from 15 yards out with a shot to the upper right corner.

Despite the loss, No. 12-ranked Hutchinson (5-2-1, 2-2-1 Jayhawk Conference) controlled much of the statistical battle. The Blue Dragons out-shot Garden City 12-4 overall and held a 5-2 advantage in shots on goal. Hutchinson also earned 10 corner kicks compared to Garden City's one.

Garden City goalkeeper Isabelle Barske made five saves for the shutout, stopping attempts from Bessie Simpson, Poppy Smith, Isabell Van Fleet, Olivia Tamaki and Anastasia Pokrandt. Blue Dragons keeper Evie Carvell (3-2-1) made one save in the losing effort.

The victory improved Garden City to 8-2-2 overall and 3-2-1 in conference play. The Broncbusters, who are receiving votes in the latest NJCAA rankings, have shown significant improvement this season.

Hutchinson, which is now 18-15 all-time in 1-0 games and 2-1 against Garden City in such contests, will return home to face Barton at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Salthawk Sports Complex.