It was a difficult, but somewhat encouraging weekend for the Pella boys soccer team, as the Little Dutch faced a pair of elite programs in a season-opening tournament at Waukee.

Opening with the host Warriors, the Little Dutch found themselves in early trouble against the 3A program – trailing 3-1 at halftime. Pella improved their play in the second half, but were unable to find much more on offense, scoring just once more and falling 6-2. Pauly Apostolopoulos and Grant Barrick scored Pella High’s goals.

In the tournament’s late game, Pella High took on two-time defending Class 2A State Champion Xavier of Cedar Rapids. The Little Dutch got off to a great start at both ends, and a goal from Shenstone Huang put them on top 1-0 by intermission. The second half saw Pella continue to hold strong, and keeper Tim Argo made seven saves against the Saints, but in the last minute Xavier flicked a header past Argo and ultimately end the match in a 1-1 tie.

Pella starts the season 0-1-1 and faces South Tama on Tuesday.