Girls soccer posts two wins

The Outlaws girls soccer team tallied two shutouts this past week: a 3-0 win at Elmira on Tuesday, September 23, and two days later a 1-0 win at Junction City.

In Tuesday's action, the Falcons played solid defense, but the Outlaws were able to break them up in the first half of the game.

Molly Boyle got the Outlaws on the scoreboard when she took a perfect cross from Cassandra Arruda and headed it in 16 minutes into the game. Ten minutes later, Boyle scored a breakaway up the center off an assist from Michaela Miller and the Outlaws went up 2-0.

Arruda tacked on Sisters' final goal. Cassandra worked hard to win a ball in the 18-yard box, and then got off a great solid shot that went in for the score.

"Elmira really played a defensive game the second half, playing long defensive clears which makes it difficult to connect a lot of passes and play on the ground," said Coach Audrey Tehan. "But, the girls persevered through a tough second half mentally, and got seven shots on goal. We are really working on our finishing, and hopefully will improve on this as the season goes on."

Sisters finished the game with 15 shots on goals, and Elmira recorded eight.

On Thursday, the Outlaws staved off league rivals Junction City in a 1-0 win.

Stewart scored Sisters' lone goal at the 25-minute mark off an assist from Miller. Liz settled the ball outside the 18-yard box, and took a perfect shot that landed in the right-hand corner of the net.

The game was played predominately in the midfield, with attacks back and forth from the Outlaws and the Tigers.

Junction City had seven shots on goal; Outlaws' keeper Hannah Ceciliani made seven saves.

Tehan told The Nugget that MJ Murphy led the team on defense.

"MJ played a very strong game, and is improving every game, and is becoming one of the great defensive players in the league."

Boyle, Stewart, and Miller dominated play at midfield both on defense and offense.

"When Molly, Liz, and Michaela can find each other on the field they can create some beautiful plays," said Tehan.

Taylor Schneider and Dani Rudinsky also had good performances, and the duo worked hard to win balls in the front half of the field.

"It was a very physical game, which is great to get our players uncomfortable, and make them step up their game," said Tehan. "It was a great game, full of lots of rain, hard tackles, strong defense, and persistent attacking."

The Outlaws were to play Cottage Grove at home on Tuesday, September 30. On Thursday, October 2, the Outlaws will play at home against Sutherlin.