Boys soccer scores fourth league win

Evan Rickards scored both of Sisters' goals in the Outlaws' 2-1 victory at Junction City (JC) on October 11. It was the Outlaws' fourth league win.

The first half neither team was able to get the ball into the goal.

Rickards got the Outlaws on the scoreboard in the 53rd minute of the game. Robert Small chipped the ball across the goal from the left side past the defensive line. The ball took a bounce and Evan booted the ball up and over the keeper's head into the right corner of the net.

Rickards scored again 11 minutes later when Justin Harrer sent a direct kick down the field. The ball was redirected by Gabe Reitmann to Evan, who beat the keeper one on one and sent a rocket shot to the bottom right of the goal.

Junction City scored at the 70-minute mark to narrow Sisters lead to 2-1. The Outlaws held onto their one point lead and secured the win.

"The game was very physical and we played through some adversity with some injuries and some players out," said Coach Rob Jensen. "The guys truly showed championship poise by getting and then holding the lead against a talented JC squad."

Jensen told The Nugget that Rickards and Jake McAllister both had a great game.

"Evan stood out today due to his focus and effort this past week," said Jensen. "He spent extra time working on his game to make sure he could finish when given the opportunity. This work paid off immediately and benefited the team with a win. Jake was everywhere on the field and demanded the attention of the other team. There were times he was double and triple teamed but still managed to get the ball to his teammates."

Of his two goals, Rickards said, "I thought I was working hard and compared to our last game my touch was a lot better. I think that was the reason I was able to score the goals."

Jensen told The Nugget that every player on the team stepped up and played every minute hard.

The Outlaws are currently 4-1 in league and 4-3-2 overall. Sisters was to travel to Sweet Home on October 18 then wrap up league play at home against Elmira on Thursday, October 27.