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The gap between the bigger and smaller schools in H-DNL girls soccer appears to be narrowing.

On Saturday at Ferndale, a shorthanded Ferndale Wildcats team started with just 10 players and played almost half the game with nine players after suffering an injury shortly after the interval.

But they remained in contention until late, before eventually falling 4-1 to the Fortuna Huskies, who are considered one of the favorites for this year’s Big 4 championship.

“I was very impressed with our second-half play,” Ferndale head coach Bailey Davy said. “This team is young but they are tenacious and I couldn’t have asked for a better effort.”

Madison Gossi scored Ferndale’s only goal of the game with a brilliant finish from the edge of the penalty area after a pinpoint pass from midfielder Macie Hagemann to set her up.

At the back, Claire Renner and Michaela Ellsmore continued to impress for the Wildcats.

Renner, a freshman has adapted quickly to the high school game and has been making an immediate impact.

“Renner is a fantastic asset to this team,” Davy said. “She is composed, she’s a natural leader by voice and by example. I am impressed by her every time she steps on the field.”

The Huskies led 1-0 at halftime, but it could have been worse for the host Wildcats.

“I thought our first half of the game was messy,” said Davy, whose players had problems connecting on their passes and defending.

However, after making some adjustments at halftime, the Cats came out with a much better performance after the break.

The difference between the two halves, according to the coach, was noticeable with the players’ first and second touches, and they also defended better and spread the field to make more space, which the players were able to take advantage of.

This matchup was a non-conference showdown for both teams.

Unfortunately, once again there are no details available for the Huskies.

As we’ve been saying, if Fortuna and Arcata coaches in particular want coverage for their players they need to forward details of their games to Humboldt Sports the way other teams and coaches do.