The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

The Outlaws snapped their five-game losing streak with a 7-0 shutout at home against Sweet Home on Friday, September 27. Four days earlier the Outlaws fell 10-0 on the road to Stayton.

Sisters has suffered some tough losses against some very good league opponents, but on Friday they were able to put together a solid game against the Huskies and put a “W” in the books. The Outlaws set the tone for the game from the initial whistle, controlled possession and kept the Huskies on defense for the majority of the first half.

Ricky Huffman started the Outlaws scoring in the seventh minute off an Aidan Eckert assist, and went on to score a hat trick in the half, with two additional goals at the 20- and 24-minute-Tmark.

Coach Jeff Husmann said, “Ricky was goal-hungry. He has a remarkable work rate and makes life tough for defenders.”

Connor Linn also scored in the first half. Husmann noted that Linn is selfless and a positive leader.

Sisters’ plan was to move their defense forward and make them part of the attack, and Simon Rhett was ready. Simon made a solid run from his center-back position and scored in the 28th minute to push the Outlaws to a 5-0 halftime lead.

“Simon is a strong student of the game, and always looks for ways to improve for the team,” said Husmann.

The five-goal advantage allowed Sisters to get many subs into the game, and a few had notable performances. Gus Patton played well as a striker, and Brody Duey played energized and fearless on defense.

Tate Kaczmarek, a freshman starter, also played a solid game. Tate is versatile, creative, and according to Husmann truly loves to play the game. Tate scored both of Sisters’ second-half goals.

Husmann told The Nugget that although the Outlaws didn’t play their best brand of soccer, especially in the second half, it was an overdue win.

“It was great to see the boys earning the result they wanted,” said Husmann. “It was also wonderful to have all the families and fans cheering on their Outlaws.”

Three days earlier, the Stayton Eagles clobbered the Outlaws with goals early and often. The Eagles dominated play and had control of the game with eight goals in the first half. Stayton tacked on two more goals in the second half and recorded the shutout.

Lack of urgency and communication was a problem for the Outlaws in the first half, but they remedied that in the second half. They did a much better job at winning the loose ball, and playing as a cohesive unit.

Husmann said, “A positive in the lopsided game was that all the players on the squad got to see varsity action. Sophomore Gavin Christian continues to improve and gain confidence as an outside midfield player, freshman Brody Duey is a tenacious and versatile player, and freshman Zenas Ortega was thrilled to get the nod as goal-keeper in the second half.”

The Outlaws will play at Newport on Friday,

October 4.