Outlaws post two league wins

The Lady Outlaws shut out Stayton 5-0 at home on Thursday, September 16, to kick off their league season. Sisters prepared well for their matchup against the Eagles, who in the past have always been a quarterfinal playoff team.

Sisters started their scoring spree against Stayton 10 minutes into the contest. The ball was distributed wide to Emma Lutz, who beat her defender and crossed the ball on the ground to Anya Shockley, who let the ball go through her legs to Hollie Lewis, who one-touched it into the net.

Five minutes later, Emma passed the ball through to Shockley, who had a 50/50 opportunity with the keeper. The ball deflected off the keeper and Shockley finished it to give the Outlaws a 2-0 lead. Shockley quickly scored again with an easy goal inside the six-yard box for her second goal of the contest.

First-half scoring ended with a goal from Katie Ryan. The ball was crossed in front of the goal and Stayton had a hard time clearing it. Ryan was by the back post, gathered up the ball, and sent it into the upper right corner. At the half, the Outlaws held a 4-0 advantage over the visiting Eagles.

Anya scored her third goal for a hat trick midway through the second half. Marlee Holden made a nice pass to Shockley, who drove a hard shot into the goal above the keeper’s head from 10 yards out. Sisters held on to their 5-0 lead until the final whistle.

Coach Brian Holden told The Nugget that the Lady Outlaws executed their game plan to perfection.

“The girls have adapted well to our new lineup,” said Holden. “They moved the ball quickly and controlled on the ground. They made lots of generous passes to open players and they didn’t force any turnovers. Defensively, we were organized and attacked successfully on the right wings. Emma Lutz did a great job as a wing and provided a variety of crosses.”

Two days later they came out on top 1-0 on the road at Newport. The Outlaws came ready to play, despite the very long bus trip to Newport.

Sisters had a handful of opportunities in the first half with corner kicks and outside shots, but just couldn’t finish. At the half the score was even at 0-0.

Newport pressured the ball well the first half. According to Holden, the Cubs are the first team to really pressure the Outlaws and they made it difficult for them to move the ball like they’ve done in previous games.

The Outlaws worked through the pressure and in the 52nd minute Shockley got the Outlaws on the scoreboard. The ball was worked through the middle to her, while she was isolated with one defender. She turned, dribbled to the right, and shot the ball into the lower right corner for the score.

“Newport has some fast girls, and they never quit the entire game,” said Holden. “They gave full effort and slowed us down.”

Holden highlighted the play of sisters Sage and Shae Wyland, who he stated were relentless in both their effort and speed, which helped the Outlaws get the win.

The Outlaws were to play at home against Philomath on Monday, September 27. They will travel to Cascade two days later for a matchup against the Cougars.