A soccer game that started out as a defensive struggle soon escalated to a track meet, but neither the 10U KSA Gunners or Leavenworth Thunder could gain control and thus their match Saturday ended in a 1-all tie at Youth Sports Inc.

The first half was a battle at midfield as both teams struggled to gain the upper hand. Both goalkeepers were forced to watch from afar as the Gunners and Thunder fought for the ball in a physical first half.

“This team really battled all game. You can’t teach these girls how to get physical and play through a little pain, that’s something they will do on their own,” Gunners head coach Jenny Anderson said.

Gunners Anna Craig and Tanna Fanshier limited the Thunder attack to a minimal threat, as they used their speed to close the gap between Thunder players and quick passes to jump-start their own offensive transition.

Gunner teammate Fallon Jacobson was usually on the receiving end of those passes and did a good job of positioning herself along the sideline as an outlet for her defense.

Once with the ball, Jacobson attacked the Thunder zone looking for forwards Phoebe Grabill and Maddle York.

York was the Gunners’ most consistent offensive threat in the first half of play. Several times she dodged Thunder defenders, creating enough space to get a shot off. However, Thunder goalkeeper Sarah Gleason was more than up for the challenge of holding the Gunners scoreless throughout the first half.

The Thunder looked to their star forward Jaelin White whenever in need of offense. After pestering the Gunner defense, White made the most of her speed and agility to get around a couple of Gunner defenders and cash in on the game’s first goal, breaking the defensive struggle between the two teams.

Trailing 1-0 at the half, the Gunners were able to regain the momentum when Allix Ice stripped the ball from a Thunder defender and sent a pass to Grabill. Grabill charged down field and floated a pass just out of the reach of the defense, onto the foot of Fanshier – who sent a soaring shot into the left corner of the goal tying the game.

Gunners Midfielder Maddie York, left, dribbles past Thunder midfielder Madison Simmons during the opening game of pool play Saturday at Youth Sports Inc.

With minutes to play, Fanshier turned up the offensive intensity, putting together five shots on goal on back-to-back possessions.

Fanshier and company continued to look for the definitive game-winning goal, but Gleason stood strong for the Thunder turning away several Gunner scoring opportunities.

At the same time goalie Emma Oury kept things in check, turning in several strong saves for the Gunners to keep the game deadlocked.

The Gunners regrouped in time for a win later that afternoon.