Dixon's First Goal of Season Seals 1-0 Vikings Win

Decorah Vikings win, City Council votes, New Referenda on the ballot — we're the one telling Decorah's story. Donate now. DECORAH — Last Friday, April 24, at the 66th minute in the second half, sophomore striker Claudia Dixon found the back of the net. It was her first goal of the season, and it turned out to be the winning goal in a match versus Clear Lake (3-3-1). She was assisted by senior midfielder Nora Lesmeister, who worked the ball to the left corner of the field and fired a cross into a cluster of players, where Dixon was able to find it and send it past the goalkeeper for the go-ahead score. Two days prior, the Vikings had lost a heartbreaker, 3-2, so coach Teo Jubé was pleased with the turnaround. "I can't remember the last time in my career I saw a team change completely in just two days," said Jubé. "Competitive, confident, [and we kept] the ball, destroying counterattacks from the opponent, keeping the game in front of us the whole time, attacking the opponent's box multiple times." Jubé acknowledged that Clear Lake "has a solid team." But the Decorah girls were relentless throughout, keeping possession for most of the game. They did this through anticipating passes, making good passes of their own and never letting up. There was a sense throughout the match that it was only a matter of time before the Vikings scored, as they possessed the ball well and sent through balls down the middle of the field or to the corners, stretching the defense. Defensively, sophomore goalkeeper Taylor Sloan-Dahl didn't have to make many saves because possession stayed with the Vikings. "The team stepped up and did not give Clear Lake any chances," said Jubé. "And we did that by playing great possession, breaking lines, switching the point of attack and attacking the opponent's back line. The best way to defend is to keep the ball. And that's what the girls did." It was a much-needed and hard-earned win for the Vikings as they move toward the second half of their season. The Vikings return to action this week when they play two games. The first is at home against top-ranked Waverly-Shell Rock on Tuesday, April 28. The girls travel to Guttenberg on Friday, May 1, for a rematch with Clayton Ridge. Make your inbox your go-to for local news! Sign up for the free newsletter and get timely updates, special features, and more.