JULIA GRIEP OF WEBSTER CITY kicks the ball on Monday during a home soccer match against Humboldt. (DFJ photo by David Borer)

The Webster City girls soccer team dropped a 3-1 decision to Humboldt here Monday night in their 2026 season opener.

Janey Putney scored the lone goal for the Lynx in the second half after the Wildcats jumped out to a 2-0 advantage before the intermission. Fina Johnson recorded an assist on the Putney goal.

“We saw a lot of great stuff,” WCHS head coach Kristine Mason said. “Our passing was better than it’s ever been, we just couldn’t get enough shots on goal. Possession was fairly 50/50 and we had the edge in the later part of the second half with tons of momentum after Janey’s goal, but couldn’t find the back of the net.

“Kate (Feltz) was solid with nine saves saves and the backline stepped up. We are really missing (injured) Lovie’s (Pruismann) presence on defense, but freshman Kendra Schultz did a great job filling big shoes. Ashlee Nydegger was the player of the game for a huge save after a blunder in the box and never giving up.”

Sandra Fuentes-Cruz had four shots to lead Webster City. Putney recorded two. Jayme Perez also had a shot that was on target.

“Jayme, Janey, Sandra and Julia (Griep) are having outstanding connection and combination in the offense and Heidi keeps us alive in the flanks,” Mason said. “We had a great showing in our season opener, we learned a lot, and we have a lot of exciting games ahead for this team.”

The Lynx head to Belmond to face Wright County on Thursday. The match starts at 5:30 p.m.