Boys soccer falls in first round

The Outlaws were defeated 2-1 in a hard-fought, physical battle against the Ontario Tigers in the first round of the Class 4A state playoffs held in Sisters on Tuesday, November 6, bringing their playoff run to an abrupt end.

Jake McAllister scored Sisters' one and only goal at the 18-minute mark of the first half on an assist from Evan Rickards. Jake corralled the ball and went one-on-one with the Tiger goalie and booted it in for the score. The Outlaws held on to the 1-0 lead until Ontario scored with two minutes left in the half. The Tigers scored on a breakaway after a long through-ball and tied it up at 1-1.

Ten minutes into the second half, McAllister was issued his second yellow card of the game, which automatically became a soft red, and as a result Jake was forced to come out of the game. Sisters had to play a man down for the remainder of the contest.

At the end of regulation the score was deadlocked at 1-1 and the game went into overtime (OT).

Ontario scored eight minutes into the first 10-minute OT off a deflected save by Drew Corrigan on a long ball breakaway, and the Tigers took a 2-1 lead.

The Outlaws fought hard until the final whistle blew but were just unable to get the ball into the net for a goal.

When asked about the high number of yellow cards issued (six) Jensen said, "I believe the ref was sensitive to physical play and we didn't adapt to his calls. They (Ontario) were also very good at getting the calls and making them look worse than they were. It was a bummer with Jake because up to that point he was having a great game. But, even after Jake left the game we still out-possessed and out-shot them."

Drew Corrigan played a strong game at keeper, recording 13 saves for the Outlaws.

"Drew played a phenomenal game in keep and had many great saves," said Jensen. "He hadn't been tested to that degree all year and he really stepped it up. The best players play up in big games.

"Everybody played with heart and determination, even when we were a man down," said Jensen. "Overall, I can't fault our guys' effort and we showed poise, determination and sportsmanship throughout. The seniors, Nicky Blumm, Ryan Pollard, Cody Lane, Eli Boettner, Drew Corrigan and Gabe Rietmann really left it all on the field. They all did their parts for victory; it was just difficult playing a man down.

"I've been told you can't judge a season on one game, and that is absolutely true," added Jensen. "We had a great season and 12-3 is not something to scoff at. I will mostly miss practicing and watching this particular group of young men play. I feel honored to have been a part of their season. It seems hard to believe it's over. It went so fast."