-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Liza Van Zyl of Fort Dodge makes a diving save against Dowling Catholic on Friday inside Dodgers Stadium

The Fort Dodge girls soccer team ran into a tough foe here Friday night at Dodger Stadium, dropping a 7-0 decision to No. 7 (Class 3A) West Des Moines Dowling.

In the second half, the Maroons tallied six of their seven goals to earn the victory.

“It was a tough night,” said Fort Dode head coach Michael Lee. “We played them even up in the first half and I really didn’t feel that they had any major advantage.

“Overall we were pleased. It shows where we have to go. We have a lot of potential, but we still have room to grow.”

Dowling (5-1 overall) scored the first goal of the match just nine minutes in, but the Dodger defense held firm for the remaining 31 minutes of play.

The Maroons have recorded four consecutive shutouts since a 3-1 loss to top-ranked (3A) West Des Moines Valley earlier this year. Dowling reached the state tournament last year before falling in the quarterfinals to Iowa City West.

Fort Dodge returns to action on Tuesday when they visit Mason City.