Outlaws soccer posts first win of season

The Outlaws boys soccer squad tallied their first win of the season with a 5-2 home win over Caldera in a non-conference game on Tuesday, October 31.

Sisters started the game a bit sluggish and struggled to find their rhythm.

“I feel like we underestimated the Wolfpack and did not take control of the game early like we are capable of doing,” said Coach Jeff Husmann.

Caldera loaded their defense with five players, which made it tough for Outlaw striker Ricky Huffman to find space. However, Huffman was able to score Sisters’ first goal in the 18th minute of play. The Wolfpack responded with a goal to make it 1-1 at the half.

Sisters midfielders, juniors Tate Kaczmarek and Aidan Eckert, and sophomore Vincent Christian played a great second half and provided the boost the Outlaws needed.

Husmann told The Nugget the Outlaws have been working hard at developing scoring opportunities as a cohesive unit rather than solo efforts, and that began to play off in the second half.

Huffman scored his second goal in the 50th minute, which loosened up the Wolfpack defense. Husmann shifted a few players around, and one of those shifts resulted in Vincent Christian scoring his first goal of the season in the 68th minute.

The Outlaws bench also made big contributions. Sophomore Will Fogarty came into the game as a midfield wing player and made an immediate impact. The scrappy player had a nose for the goal and scored in the 75th minute to make it a 4-1 contest.

Another highlight came from the Christian brothers, who connected on a goal in the final minutes. Vincent made a perfect pass from his holding midfield position to older brother Gavin, who placed it in the goal.

Caldera also scored a goal in the second half, but the Outlaws prevailed by three in a final score of 5-2.

Husmann noted that the defense played much better in the second half, and limited Caldera’s scoring options. Seniors AJ Scholl, Noah Pittman, and Sean Alvarez all have taken a strong leadership role in commanding the Outlaws defense.

Junior Gus Patton has also developed as a reliable defenseman for the Outlaws, and has earned a starting position.

Sisters is still a little inexperienced in goal. The job of keeper was split between sophomore Austin Dean and junior Taine Martin.

“Austin and Taine are fierce competitors and yet truly support each other in learning the position,” said Husmann.

“Early in the season it is always interesting to see how the identity of the team evolves and who steps up as leaders on the field,” said Husmann. “We have a strong group of players this year who have been working hard in the preseason. There is a palpable energy to this team.”

The Outlaws were scheduled to play at home against Madras on Tuesday, September 7. They will travel to La Pine on Thursday, two days later.