No official score was kept in the scrimmage, though the visiting Plainsmen found the back of the net multiple times in the opening half. For Beekmantown, however, the opportunity to line up against a AAA school of Shen’s caliber was the true test — and one that head coach Jon Chapman believes will pay dividends as the season unfolds.

“This was a huge challenge for our girls to play Shen and very humbling at times,” Chapman said. “But to see how this team carries itself, the attention to detail, and the pure talent is an honor. Beekmantown will be better for this experience.”

The Eagles battled through the afternoon, creating some chances of their own while leaning on their back line to handle stretches of sustained pressure from Shen’s attackers. More than the result, Chapman wanted his players to see the speed, composure, and decision-making of one of New York’s most accomplished girls’ soccer programs.

“This is why you schedule a game like this,” Chapman explained. “We want our players to feel that higher level — the pace, the physicality, the way every touch matters. If we can handle some of that now, we’ll be sharper and more confident when we line up in league play.”

The connection that made the scrimmage possible was also a local one. Shen head coach Holli Nirsberger (formerly Mulholland) is a Plattsburgh High School graduate and former standout who went on to star at Plattsburgh State. Chapman recalled first meeting her years ago as a camper. “I reached out over the offseason and she jumped at a chance to get a scrimmage in against Beekmantown'."

While the day tilted in Shen’s favor, the Eagles walked away with lessons they can carry into Northern Soccer League action. Chapman emphasized that even in a scrimmage setting, the mental side was just as important as the physical test.

“It’s not always comfortable, and that’s the point,” he said. “Games like this expose where we need to grow, but they also show us that when we stay disciplined and work for each other, we can compete. That’s the biggest takeaway.”

Beekmantown returns to NSL action Wednesday night at Peru.

(Note: Many PSN stories are drafted with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence and coach questionnaires, but all factual reporting, onsite observations, insight into what happened and why, interviews, and final editing is provided by Potassium Sports Network staff. For post-game video interviews, athletes are asked for their consent and coaches confirm participation. For more details, please visit https://potassiumsportsnetwork.com/about-psn).