Girls soccer posts two wins

The Lady Outlaws soccer squad had another exceptional week, posting wins over two league foes: a 1-0 win at Stayton on Tuesday, October 12, and two days later a 2-0 victory on the road at Sweet Home.

In Tuesday’s action, Sisters had a hard time the first half of play against the Eagles, and were very rushed in their play. Neither team was able to get the ball in the net and at the half the score was

even 0-0.

Sisters’ lone goal came in the 60th minute of play. Anya Shockley played with her back to the goal and held off her defenders. She dropped the ball to Hollie Lewis, who with one touch cut to the middle of the field and played the ball low. The ball skipped off the turf into the left corner for the

score.

Coach Brian Holden praised center backs Analise Backus and Sage Wyland for their defensive play.

“Analise and Sage stayed calm and worked hard in the back,” said Holden. “Sage had one save that was incredible. A Stayton player dribbled in and cut inside and Sage defended well. The ball bounced around another Stayton girl, who tried to score, but Sage cleared it off the line at the six-yard mark for a great

save.”

Holden also noted Shockley, who worked hard for her midfielders and pressured defenders.

“Anya plays consistently with her back to the goal with two defenders on her,” said Holden. “It’s a lot of work and sometimes a thankless job. Today was one of her best games.”

On Thursday against the Huskies, Shockley got the Outlaws on the scoreboard 30 minutes into the contest. The ball was played out of the midfield in front of the goal and Shockley finished with one touch above the keeper’s hands.

Sisters scored their second and final goal at approximately the 60-minute mark. Emma Lutz crossed the ball in front of the goal. Shockley mishit the ball and it fell on the ground by Lily Sundstrom, who was by the back post. Sundstrom was wide open and tapped it in for the score.

Coach Holden praised Sundstrom for her improvement on the field.

“Lily is doing a good job as a wing, playing both ends of the field,” said Holden. “She works hard to better herself as a player in practice and it’s starting to show in games.”

Sisters controlled possession of the ball the majority of the game and kept the ball on the Huskies’ end of the field.

The Outlaws’ defense has only had four goals scored on them during league play. They play with heart, grit, and determination, and the shutout over the Huskies marked their fifth of the season. To date, the Outlaws are the least-scored-on team in the league.

Holden praised the exceptional effort of his defensive players, including Sage and Shae Wyland, Analise Backus, Oly Thorson, and Maddie Symonds.

“In my opinion we have one of the better defenses in the state,” said Holden. “Our defense is doing great, our midfield is creating opportunities, and now it’s crucial that we finish our opportunities in front of the goal.”

The Lady Outlaws have only lost one game during league play and are currently in third place in the exceptionally competitive Oregon West Conference. Woodburn and Philomath are tied for first.

Sisters was to play at home against Newport on Tuesday, October 19. They will travel to Philomath on Thursday, two days later. The Outlaws were scheduled to play at home against Woodburn on Thursday, October 28, but due to the playoffs the game was moved to Saturday, October 23. The game will be held in Sisters and is set to begin at 12 p.m. The Outlaws will wrap up league play with a home contest against Cascade on Tuesday, October 26.