U14 soccer team finishes second

The Sisters Outlaws U14 soccer team wrapped up their stellar season at 7-1-1 to finish second in the Eugene League.

Sixteen boys, ages 11-13, made up the talented Outlaws squad. Anson Ricker, Ethan Stengel, Malachy Sundstrom and Sean Willitts played at the forward position. Ethan Schneider, Andrew Stengel, Gus Gyorgyfalvy and Connor Schaab covered the midfield and Billy Biggers, Christian Hunt, Gabe Willitts and Ben Larson played defense. Cole Graham played at right wing and Dyut Fetrow was at the left wing position. Justin Harrer played at sweeper and also midfield and Logan Calmettes was the Outlaws' keeper.

Coach Mary Graham told The Nugget that all her players showed great flexibility in their willingness to play and learn different positions and to fill in gaps wherever they were needed. Graham noted that throughout the season the forwards developed communication, and by the end of the season worked as a cohesive unit. The wings were able to take the ball up the side and cross to the forwards who were ready to finish.

Sisters' midfielders were strong offensively and also quick to get back and support on defense. The midfielders became more confident and aggressive as the season progressed, and they always found ways to make plays develop.

The defenders worked effectively to keep the ball out of the middle, which lightened the work for the keeper. Calmettes, the Outlaws' keeper, played with confidence and provided the team with security.

Graham recalled a couple of games that highlighted the season:

Sisters' game against Roseburg stood out. The Outlaws played on rock-hard frozen ground against a team that was twice their size. Sisters had just finished a previous game but quickly recovered and played the second game with confidence.

At a home game in Sisters, the Outlaws were asked to stop scoring. The boys were gracious and good sports and understood there wasn't a need to run up the score. That game gave players, like the Outlaws keeper, Logan Calmettes, the chance to score a goal during the season.

Sisters made it all the way to the championship game. The Outlaws battled, fought hard and played tough to the very end. The team had opportunities to score but just were unable to finish. A goal which would have tied the game was unfortunately called back.

Graham said, "Justin Harrer blasted it through the opponent's wall but the ref said it never touched anyone on the way in. We begged to differ on that call."

Graham stated that the team got very fired up when Dyut Fetrow was carried off the field after a blatant elbow. The paramedics were called in and Fetrow was taken to the hospital. Dyut had a few restless nights due to bruising. Graham told The Nugget if their team could have had an additional five minutes they could have pulled off a win.

Tom Miller, Mary's husband and eighth grade language arts teacher at Sisters Middle School, assisted Graham in coaching the top-notch team. Coach Graham stated that the one thing that was quite remarkable about the Outlaws was their overall character.

"They were a pleasure to coach, always put forth their best effort, were respectful, classy and ended practice with a 'thank you.' That made it all worthwhile for me and Tom."