Staff photo by Steve Muscatello New Ulm’s Hannah Osborne tries to clear the ball away from Journey Utpadel (18) of Waseca Thursday at New Ulm High School. For more photos of this event go to cu.nujournal.com

NEW ULM — In their last meeting, the Waseca girls’ soccer team dominated New Ulm with a 7-0 rout.

On Thursday, the Eagles looked like an improved team both offensively and defensively. In the end, Waseca got a goal in the first half and that was enough in a 1-0 Big South Conference girls’ soccer win at New Ulm High School.

The loss drops New Ulm’s record to 2-7-2 on the season and 2-5 in the Big South. Waseca improved to 10-1-1 and 6-0 in the Big South Conference.

Overall, New Ulm coach Jonathan Johnson was happy with how his team played the Bluejays the second time around.

“The girls usually start slow in the first half but we started out on fire, they played so hard, so good,” Johnson said. “The passing was good, the receiving was good. We had a few missed chances but they played hard.”

The Eagles held the Bluejays scoreless until 15 minutes into the game when Taylor Hiller beat New Ulm goalkeeper Caleigh Heck.

Hiller’s goal was the only goal scored by the Bluejays the entire game.

New Ulm had several chances in the first half but was unable to get a shot off. A centering pass directly in front of the Waseca net was misplayed and resulted in no shot. Later in the half, with less than 2 minutes left, New Ulm had a golden opportunity when the ball was loose in front of the net and the Waseca goalkeeper was out of position. The Eagles failed to take advantage and trailed 1-0 at halftime.

New Ulm dominated the ball in both halves but was unable to capitalize. However, Johnson saw some improvement and is hoping it carries over.

“In the second half we controlled the ball more than they did,” he said. “We were moving it up and down and we had so many opportunities. The girls played their hearts out and left it on the field, I’m so proud of the way we played.”

New Ulm’s Caleigh Heck had five saves. New Ulm finished with 12 shots on goal. The Eagles host Glencoe-Silver Lake at 1 p.m. on Saturday.