By Marisa Dawson
The Bennington High School soccer teams showcased both resilience and offensive firepower during a packed week of competition in late April 2026. While the girls’ squad absorbed a tough shutout loss before exploding for back-to-back dominant victories, the boys’ team battled in a pair of low-scoring affairs, splitting the results with strong defensive efforts.
Girls Soccer
April 22 vs. Gretna East (at Bennington)
Gretna East defeated Bennington 2-0 in a non-conference matchup. The game remained scoreless at halftime.
Bennington recorded 7 shots (none on goal).
April 24 vs. Concordia
Bennington cruised to an 8-0 victory over Concordia in a dominant tournament performance.
Goal scorers for Bennington:
– Rihanna Rodriguez (senior)- 2 goals
– Makenna O’Connor (sophomore)- 2 goals
– Payton Behrens (freshman)- 1 goal
– Lila Pick (sophomore)- 1 goal
– Maren McIlnay (junior)- 1 goal
– Ericka Matthews (senior)- 1 goal
Assists: Makenna O’Connor (2), Lucy Lampe (1), Ericka Matthews (1), Claire Miller (1).
Bennington fired 17 shots during the match. Goalkeepers Norah Haley (senior) and Mia Korth (senior) combined for the shutout, facing just 1 opponent shot on goal.
April 25 vs. Omaha South
Bennington rolled to a 5-0 win over Omaha South. Bennington led 4-0 by the end of the first half and added one more in the second half (75th minute).
Goal scorers for Bennington:
– Claire Miller (junior)- 2 goals
– Payton Behrens (freshman)- 1 goal
– Autumn Christiansen (senior)- 1 goal
Assists: Lucy Lampe (2), Claire Miller (1), Savanna Rodriguez (1).
Goalkeepers Norah Haley and Mia Korth combined for the clean sheet.
Boys Soccer
April 20 vs. Elkhorn North
Elkhorn North shut out Bennington 2-0.
Elkhorn North had 11 shots on goal and 4 corner kicks. Bennington goalkeeper Tate Andersen and Aaden Lee (40 minutes each) combined for 8 saves.
April 22 vs. Gretna East (EMC Tournament 2nd round, at Bennington)
Bennington edged Gretna East 1-0 in a tight non-conference home contest.
Declan Smith scored the lone goal for Bennington, assisted by Trenton Hunter.
Bennington goalkeeper Aaden Lee was named Player of the Match after posting a 12-save shutout (including a penalty kick save).
