GRANITE CITY — Granite City’s girls soccer team stayed within striking distance for much of the night before falling 3-1 to Edwardsville on Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Granite City, as first-year Warriors coach Jeff Hayes pointed to effort and areas for growth despite the loss.
“The girls aren’t going to be happy with a loss,” Hayes said, “but as a coach, I saw some things we can build on. We’re still trying to find a formation that works best for us, and when you play a really good team like Edwardsville, they’re going to test you all over the field. So, I told my girls more than anything, I’m always proud of their effort, because they never give up for a full 80 minutes.”
Hayes said that persistence has been a consistent theme for his team this season.
“I think that’s something from the get-go this season,” Hayes said, “that they’ve shown me that, no matter what’s happening on the field, we’re going to keep a positive attitude, and play for the full 80.”
Granite City has experienced uneven stretches, Hayes said, and he framed the season as a process of finding what works, heading into the postseason.
“We’re a pretty streaky team,” Hayes said, “where we’ll put together three or four good games, then we have a few games where we’ll slide off. So, it’s a long season; I’ve told the girls from the beginning that this is the season that we’re going to have to build, and find out what works for us going into the playoffs, because that’s what’s going to matter most.”
Hayes also noted a shift in classification this season, with Granite City moving to Class 2A after previously competing in Class 3A throughout the history of the three IHSA classes.
“Yeah, that’s a different look,” Hayes said. “There are still a couple of teams that we played in (Class) 3A that are in our regional now. Alton and Quincy are now (Class) 2A as well. But we’re looking to finish the season strong, and get a really good seeding, and see how we can do.”
On the field Thursday, Edwardsville controlled much of the early play, testing Granite City goalkeeper Katie Gartner. Hayes’ team withstood early pressure, including a save in the 23rd minute when Gartner “dove her right to gather in a good chance.”
Edwardsville broke through two minutes later. In the 25th minute, Jumper scored after a scramble in front of the goal, with a shot deflecting into the net to make it 1-0. The Tigers carried that lead into halftime, with a pair of Edwardsville corner kicks failing to produce another goal.
Hayes said his focus remains on settling on an approach that translates into postseason success.
“Really, just find our form,” Hayes said. “We’re not connecting in a couple of spots, and we talk about that, being a little bit patient. So, we need to be a little bit more patient with the ball, so that we’re controlling the ball a little bit more, and just keep a good attitude.”
He singled out Charlee Schwalller for her willingness to contribute in multiple roles.
“You saw Charlee Schwalller tonight. She did it all for us,” Hayes said. “She’s willing to play in the backfield against these strong teams, and then, we make up, and she gets the goal. That’s the kind of attitude we need going forward.”
Granite City, 5-8 overall, hosts Alton on Monday, Aug. 28, at 6 p.m.
