Smith's Late Goal Lifts No. 15 Hutchinson Past Trinity Valley in Season Opener

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Poppy Smith fired home the game-winner with 12.2 seconds left Monday night, giving No. 15 Hutchinson Community College a 2-1 victory over No. 12 Trinity Valley in their women's soccer season opener at Don Michael Field.

The freshman forward's clutch strike came at the 89:12 mark, setting a new program record for the latest game-winning goal in Blue Dragons history. The previous mark was held by Megan Reffett, who scored at 87:01 in a 2006 victory over Dodge City.

Smith netted both goals for Hutchinson, extending the Blue Dragons' season-opening winning streak to five consecutive years. The victory also marked the program's first triumph over a ranked opponent in a season opener.

The decisive sequence unfolded after Trinity Valley was whistled for a foul in Hutchinson's defensive zone with 25 seconds remaining. Anastasia Pokrandt launched the ensuing free kick from just 15 yards out from the Hutchinson goal line.

A Trinity Valley defender attempted to head away Pokrandt's service near midfield, but the ball deflected directly to Smith's right foot. The freshman then raced toward goal and unleashed a low drive from 20 yards that beat diving Trinity Valley goalkeeper Nikia van Middendorp.

The play covered 105 yards in just 12.8 seconds.

Smith had opened the scoring in the 25th minute when she converted Olivia Tamaki's corner kick through traffic, finding the lower right corner for a 1-0 Hutchinson advantage.

Trinity Valley equalized in the 75th minute through Hadlee Farrow, who capitalized on a Blue Dragons clearing error by lobbing a 40-yard shot over Hutchinson keeper Evie Carvell.

Carvell made three saves to earn her first collegiate victory. Van Middendorp finished with eight stops for the Cardinals.

Hutchinson held commanding advantages in shots on goal (10-4) and total shots (20-7).

The Blue Dragons improved to 17-4 all-time in season openers and 2-2 against Texas opponents. Smith became the fourth straight Blue Dragon to record multiple goals in a season opener.

Both teams return to action Wednesday at Don Michael Field. Hutchinson faces Western Wyoming at 1 p.m., while Trinity Valley meets Barton at 10 a.m.