Boys soccer finishes league with perfect record

Sisters boys soccer team wrapped up league with a vengeance, besting their final two opponents to head into the playoffs with a 10-0 record. The Outlaws will play at home on Tuesday, November 3, but their opponent is yet to be decided.

On Tuesday, October 20, the Outlaws played at Cottage Grove on the turf, and staved off the Lions in a close 2-1 victory. Turf is always a bit more difficult to play on, since the Outlaws are used to playing on a grass field, but the team adjusted well and earned the win.

Malachy Sundstrom scored both goals to lead the Outlaws to victory.

Sundstrom beat several defenders on his way to the goal, and scored off a pass from Asher Bachtold in the 13th minute of play. Cottage Grove tied it up at the 26-minute mark off a long ball and a cross, and at the half the game was deadlocked at 1-1.

Fourteen minutes into the second half, Sundstrom pressured the defense, forced them to drop the ball to the center, and got a touch. The Lions' defense tried to clear the ball, but sent it into the goal for the score.

Sisters held onto their one-goal lead until the clock ran down. The Outlaws outshot the Lions 16-4. Keeper Ryan Funk did a good job in the box and made some big saves for Sisters.

Sundstrom shared his thoughts on the contest.

"This game was an interesting game," he said. "We were missing a few players in our back-line, but we were still able to work the ball around pretty easily. Once we calmed down we created opportunities. It was kind of an off-game for us, but we stuck it out and got the win."

Malachy has been one of the Outlaws' top scorers all season, and gave credit for his success to his teammates.

"Quite honestly, without my teammates' encouragement and ability to feed me the ball, I wouldn't have scored nearly as many goals as I have," said Sundstrom. "We all work really well together and I'm glad to have their support."

"It was a very close game and it got a little dicey," said Coach Rob Jensen. "It's always hard to play at Cottage Grove, and today was a little too close for comfort. We missed some great opportunities."

Two days later, the Outlaws upped their performance and swept the Bulldogs 3-0 at Sutherlin.

Sisters scored two goals in the first half.

Asher Bachtold crossed it to brother Jadon, who tapped it, and bounced it through the middle of the goal in the 13th minute of play. Twelve minutes later, Alec Gannon took a corner kick, and Colton Mannhalter headed it to the keeper, who saved it. Steen Johnson did a sliding volley to poke it into the goal.

Fourteen minutes into the second half, Mannhalter received the ball at the top of the box, corralled the ball, and right-footed a shot into the bottom left-hand corner of the net.

Sisters played excellent defense and staved off the Bulldogs for the remainder of the contest.

Jensen said, "Our bench players provided a little spark, with Steen Johnson and Seth Larson leading the charge."

The Outlaws finished their season with a sweep to post a perfect 10-0 league record.

Jadon Bachtold (senior) said, "What makes this year stand out is how we fit together as a group. We're a bunch of fun-loving guys, who really love to play soccer. I [at]tribute our success this year to the fact we support each other on the field, and just have fun."

Mannhalter, also a senior, commented, "I think we were a little nervous at the beginning of the season. We didn't know who would step up and be leaders. Our chemistry really improved throughout the season, and we got the job done tonight on a pretty rough field."