Girls soccer wins two on home turf

The Outlaws tallied two home victories this past week: a 6-0 win over Cottage Grove on Tuesday and a 6-1 win over Sutherlin two days later.

Sisters played one of their best games of the season in their shutout victory over the visiting Lions in Tuesday's match-up.

Taylor Schneider got the Outlaws started at the 25-minute mark off a Michaela Miller assist. Miller dribbled to one-on-one with the keeper and Schneider followed the shot in and knocked it in the goal just before it went out of bounds.

Coach Audrey Tehan said, "Taylor has become a strong forward for us as she has been playing soccer for a long time, and her past experience as keeper really gives her a great sense for where the goal is and where the keeper is at. She has worked really hard and improves every game. It's fun to see Taylor adapt from one position to another."

Liz Stewart scored back-to-back goals in the last 10 minutes of the first half to put the Outlaws on top 3-0. Stewart scored off a penalty kick (PK) and two minutes later saw an opening right up the center of the field, dribbled past six CG players, and found the back of the net.

Tehan told The Nugget that Stewart's PK was one of the most perfect penalty shots she's ever seen.

"Liz keeps her composure and is an amazing leader in this way; when the pressure is on Liz always steps up to the challenge," said Tehan.

The Outlaws scored their fourth goal just two minutes into the second half. Dani Rudinsky was able to settle the ball that was crossed over from Schneider and find the back right-corner of the net.

Five minutes later, Cassandra Arruda scored thanks to an assist from Molly Boyle. Boyle laid the ball off, and a determined Arruda won the ball and kicked it in for the goal.

Miller wrapped up Sisters' scoring effort at the 58-minute mark. Michaela received the ball in the center off a pass from Boyle, dribbled through multiple players, and placed a great shot past the keeper.

Sisters maintained control the remainder of the game and kept the Lions from scoring.

Stewart shared why she feels the Outlaws have been so successful this season.

"Our team is very versatile and talented," said Stewart. "We've bonded super-well and we are super-positive towards each other. We're just beginning to really connect passes and get the ball up the field and I think that will help us compete in playoffs."

Tehan was pleased with the play of several players.

"Molly Boyle played a strong game up top with forwards Dani Rudinsky, Taylor Schneider, Olivia Stewart and Jenny O'Conner," said Tehan. "Molly is selfless with the ball, and is always looking for the best pass for the team to score. Jenny played one of her best games of the season. She is small but super-fast and aggressive, and is not afraid to get in and win the ball."

Tehan is pleased with her team and the progress they've made.

"The girls are playing together really well and everyone is improving," said Tehan. "We really look like one unit. Today, everyone was playing for each other and it was exciting and fun to watch."

On Thursday, Sisters played an outstanding game against Sutherlin. The Outlaws came out strong in the first 15 minutes of play with over 10 shots on goal, but couldn't get any of them into the back of the net.

Boyle booted the ball in for a goal on a breakaway off a pass from Arruda approximately 20 minutes into the contest to get the Outlaws started.

Sutherlin came back with a great shot to even the score at 1-1. The ball bounced off the crossbar and the Bulldogs were there to finish it when it dropped down.

Sisters scored just before the half to go on top 2-1. Boyle received the ball through the defense from Michaela Miller. Miller continues to be a strong force for the Outlaws on both offense and defense, and knows when and where to find Molly at the top.

Two minutes into the final half, Stewart scored on a PK with a perfect shot into the lower-right-hand corner. At the 58-minute mark Stewart scored again off a corner-kick sent in by Arruda and the Outlaws went up 4-1.

Boyle tallied the Outlaws' fifth goal on a through-ball from Stewart with 10 minutes left on the clock. Schneider wrapped up the scoring effort on a breakaway down the center off an assist from Miller.

Boyle shared, "Our chemistry on and off the field is key to our wins. We also have a great mindset. We want to win and we want to succeed for each other, and I think that's what fuels our success. Everyone has been developing so rapidly and our technique improves with every game and every practice. I can't wait to see what's in store for us."

Tehan said, "Our outside-midfielders did an amazing job. Cassandra Arruda and Chaundra Craig really are the driving force behind our attacks. Their skill and determination on offense and defense allows us to be dynamic and relentless on our attacks. It is the toughest position on the field, because the entire game we are asking them to run the entire length of the field over and over and over again. And they do a fantastic job."

Sisters missed over 30 shots on goal and Tehan told The Nugget that the team will definitely be working hard at practice on finishing shots.

The Outlaws were to play at Sweet Home on Tuesday, October 7. Sisters has a bye on Thursday, October 9, and will be back on the field at home against Elmira on Tuesday, October 14.