-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Adam Pearson of Fort Dodge makes a save against Valley on Thursday inside Dodgers Stadium

The Fort Dodge boys soccer team opened their season with a stern test here Thursday evening inside Dodger Stadium, as West Des Moines Valley claimed an 8-1 victory.

Both teams were making their debuts on the year and playing for the first time since the 2019 season after COVID-19 scrapped the entire 2020 soccer campaign.

“It was great to be back playing after two years,” FDSH head coach Joe Jackson said. “These seniors were seeing their first CIML team and they got to see the speed and excellence on the ball that comes with Valley.

“But I was so happy with how we played. What we were trying to do on defense worked in the first half and they just kept pushing. We got a little wore out there in the second and (Valley’s) depth showed.”

Antonio Prates, a senior, registered the Dodger goal while classmate Adam Pearson made 20 saves in net.

“Valley had a lot of shots on goal and Adam did a great job,” Jackson said. “They have 105 kids out for soccer and play a lot of club ball throughout the year.”

In 2019, the Tigers went 16-5, reaching a Class 3A substate contest where they fell to Urbandale, 2-1. During that season, Valley downed the Dodgers, 10-0.

Seth Barker, Jimmy Hall, Jaren Obia, Marshall Biabii, James Beaty and Thomas Knudsen were all key members of that Tiger team who returned for this season.

Valley has been one of the top programs in the state, winning at least nine matches every season since 2010. The Tigers have posted marks of 22-1 twice, 21-1-2 and 18-2 during that run including a state title in 2016.

Overall, Valley is a five-time state champion having also captured titles in 1996, ’97, 2001 and ’06.

“Our guys were doing what we’ve been talking about in practice,” Jackson said. “We’re excited to get back at it next week.”

Next action for the Dodgers will be on Monday when they host Sioux City North back here.

Fort Dodge posted a 2-0 victory in the junior varsity match as JT Laufersweiler and David Angeles each scored goals.

“That was a big win for them,” Jackson said. “They were really excited. Now, they see what they need to do to get better and improve.”