After struggling for most of the season, the Weyburn Comp Eagles girls' soccer team finally played the game they had been coached to play all season at the district playdowns on Thursday against Estevan, said coach Scott Benning.

But even this was not enough for the fledgling soccer team, as luck decided against the Eagles and led them to a 2-0 loss and the end of any chance of advancing to regional playoffs.

Benning said the Eagles and especially goalie Leah McKenzie "were just fantastic" for the game against Estevan, holding them at 0-0 for the first half of the game.

Then, a goal was scored within the first few seconds of the second half, giving Estevan a 1-0 lead. Benning said that Weyburn could have tied the game but for a few turns of bad luck, like a shot which hit the post or a breakaway play that fizzled.

Weyburn then gave up another goal close to the end, leaving the score at 2-0.

But Benning said he was certainly not disappointed with the loss. "We didn't get the victory, but the girls played unbelievably," he added.

The defeat by Estevan ends Weyburn's chances for a playoff spot, although there will be a few more exhibition games, including one against Notre Dame today at the Weyburn Comp field.

In summing up the season, Benning said Weyburn had an good year, especially when many of their opponents had been practising much longer than the few weeks the Eagles were allotted.

There was also no game that Weyburn lost by a wide margin; they scored about 34 goals in total this year, and let through only 42 goals.

The Eagles, many of whom were new to the game, also improved both in technical skills and in team skills throughout the year. "They became much smarter players," said Benning.

As for Benning, who took over as the Eagles' coach this year from long-time Comp instructor Gary Frederickson, he said he enjoyed his coaching experience, and intends to return next year.

He added that he and Frederickson are looking at some initiatives that could be used to develop the Eagles' soccer program, including the aggressive recruitment of junior high school players when they enter the Comp.