Boys soccer opens league with shut-out

Evan Rickards and Jake McAllister each scored two points to lead the Outlaws to a big win at Elmira on September 20. The home game was moved to Elmira due to smoky conditions in Sisters, but the change in venue didn't hinder Sisters in the least.

The Outlaws racked up seven of their eight points in the first half of the contest. Rickards got Sisters on the scoreboard at the 10-minute mark when he made a volley shot past the keeper. Eli Boettner made an outstanding cross from the left side to record the assist.

In the 24th minute, McAllister powered a shot through the Falcon's defense for Sisters' second goal. Just one minute later Justin Harrer took a free kick from behind the half and assisted Boettner on a breakaway which put the Outlaws up 3-0.

With 12 minutes left in the half, Rickards assisted McAllister for a header that flew right past the keeper. Rickards followed with another goal in the 32nd minute of play. Gabe Rietmann turned the corner around the Falcon's defense on the left side and dished back the ball to Rickards, who took the easy shot and scored.

Sisters scored their sixth and seventh goals in the final five minutes of the first half. Rietmann crossed the ball to Jadon Bachtold for a goal and then Bachtold assisted Colton Mannhalter for a nice freshman-to-freshman connection.

The Outlaws scored their final goal at the 60-minute mark. Rickards assisted Ethan Stengel for his first varsity goal.

McAllister and Rickards are excited about their team, their teammates and where they hope the season takes them.

McAllister said, "The noticeable thing about this year that we haven't had in the past is our team focus and chemistry and our commitment. It's better than it's ever been and it shows in the game. To put it simply, we love each other and we're having more fun than ever."

Rickards said, "Today we came out of the gates with a lot of pressure and energy as if we were going to battle. Every game this year is going to be a battle, and champions win the war. We are the champions."

The Outlaws will travel to Cottage Grove on Thursday, September 27, to face the Lions at 7 p.m.