Boys soccer wrap up regular season

The Outlaws wrapped up their regular season with a 1-1 tie on the road at Cascade on Tuesday, October 26. In Sisters’ first match-up against the Cougars at home earlier in the season, the Outlaws trounced the Cougars 9-1. This time around it was a whole different game.

Rain over the last few weeks in the Valley made for very muddy and unpredictable conditions, and the Outlaws came into the game a little too relaxed and a bit overconfident.

From the start, Cascade played very physical and with something to prove. In the first few minutes of the contest they had the ball on the Outlaws’ side of the field and threatened with numerous opportunities, including four corner kicks all within the first few minutes of play.

“Our players seemed groggy and slow to respond,” said Coach Jeff Husmann. “Somehow, we managed to weather that early deluge from their offense.”

The Outlaws struggled for possession of the ball in the muddy conditions, and were on defense for most of the first half.

“We have a fit and fast team, and when it is muddy like that it neutralizes those speed advantages,” said Husmann. “The boys were getting understandably frustrated, but that is the nature of the game.”

Cascade scored midway through the first half, and Husmann told The Nugget that the Outlaws were lucky to limp into halftime just one goal down.

Field conditions continued to limit opportunities for both teams in the second half. Midway through, the Outlaws started to play with urgency and intent.

In the 57th minute, Vince Christian made a streaking solo run down the right side, fought off the Cougar defender, and buried a powerful shot into the net, which energized the Outlaws.

Neither team was able to break the deadlock.

“Our boys were disappointed with the tie,” said Husmann. “Hopefully, this serves as a wake-up call for the playoffs. We need to come in with focus and intent. This is the first time we’ve made the playoffs since I have been the head coach, but the goal is not just to make the first round, but to compete at the next level. We will have to put together our strongest soccer in order to do so, and I am confident in this group of young

men.”

The Outlaws finished league play with a 7-5-2 record.