How Joslynn Farmer got to be a hero in her first start for the Nevada girls soccer team
For the second season in a row the Nevada girls soccer team had a new goal keeper play the role of hero against top rivalGilbert in its season opener.
The Cubs defeated the Tigers in a shootout, 3-2, at Cub Stadium in Nevada.
It marked the second year in a row Nevada had opened the season with a shootout win over its biggest rival. Last year Nevada downed Gilbert, 1-0, thanks in large part to the brilliant play of senior keeper Maddie Dunham in the shootout.
Dunham was making her first varsity start at the time and it happened again Monday when Joslynn Farmer took over the position.
Farmer said she started playing soccer at the age of 4. Now a junior, she patiently bid her time to earn a varsity spot for an elite Nevada program that has been to the state tournament each of the past 10 years.
She was well-rewarded for her long wait Monday. Farmer made two saves to help Nevada win the first round of penalty kicks, 4-2, and take the match.
"For the second year in a row we have a first-year keeper out there in a shootout," Nevada coach Randy Davis said. "Props to the girls for putting the ball in the net to take the pressure off of her. All she had to do was stay focused. It was just a great way to start the season."
After Gilbert goalie Braelyn Thomas made a diving save on Nevada’s first attempt in the shootout Farmer returned the favor by stopping a line drive by Gilbert’s Sarah Thatcher. Reagan Davis converted on Nevada’s second try and a loosened-up Farmer was in good position on Gilbert’s second attempt as Ava Johnson went hit to help the Cubs take control.
Alex Harswick and Sydney Lynch converted the next two Gilbert attempts. But it was to no avail as Evelyn Anderson and Maddy Gibson made the next two Nevada attempts to secure the Cub victory.
"Going into it I was really nervous," Farmer said. "I was counting on my team to keep me going and they were all there for me. Even when I got a goal scored on me I kept my head up."
After Gibson’s goal Farmer and her teammates joined in a big celebration. The clutch performance in her varsity opener was a dream come true for Farmer.
"I'm filling a big position," Farmer said. "Being able to fill that position means everything to me. I've been working so hard. I told myself to never give up. It's always working even when I don't want to work."
Farmer's opening effort impressed her teammates.
"Goal keeper is a huge role to step into," Nevada sweeper Emma Strottman said. "She's been doing great and we've all been here supporting her."
Farmer certainly appreciated the efforts of Strottman in support on defense.
"Having Emma as my sweeper is the best thing ever," Farmer said. "I could never imagine anyone else back there with me."
With Davis at left-back, Anderson right back-back and Graci Schiller charger Farmer has formidable defense around Farmer to help her grow as the season progresses. Right now she's just going to enjoy being 1-0.
"It's always good to get a win over Gilbert," said Farmer.
This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Joslynn Farmer comes up big at keeper in Nevada's win over Gilbert
