Boys soccer picks up two wins

The Outlaws boys soccer squad proved they are one of the stronger teams in the league with two more wins this past week: a 4-0 shut-out at Creswell on Monday, September 26, and two days later a 3-0 shutout at home against East Linn.

In Tuesday’s battle at Creswell, the Outlaws adjusted quickly to Creswell’s new turf field. Sisters controlled the ball early on and created several scoring opportunities.

Austin Dean drew a foul 20 minutes into the contest, which resulted in a penalty kick. Coach Jeff Husmann noted that Dean is a very scrappy player and hard to knock off the ball. Vincent Christian, the Outlaws go-to guy for penalty kicks, took the shot. He slotted the ball past the Bulldogs’ keeper, and the Outlaws took the lead.

Six minutes later, striker Tate Kaczmarek scored on an assist from Christian. That duo combination would prove to be the theme for the game. At the half, the Outlaws were on top 2-0.

The Outlaws’ hard work at practicing corner kicks paid off in the second half. Christian, in the 60th minute, served a beautiful bending ball in front of the corner and Kaczmarek elevated above the defense, and headed the ball into the net for the score.

Sisters’ final goal again came from a Christian corner kick that Kaczmarek punched in for a hat trick.

The Outlaws’ defensive unit — Jesse Polachek, Gus Patton, Logan Ryba, and Baylor Dyer — are playing well together and deserve a lot of credit for the Outlaws’ shutout. Taine Martin and Corbin Fredland both play in the goal and bring different strengths to the position, and also were instrumental in the win.

Husmann told The Nugget that he really likes how the defense is playing right now, but knows they will be tested. He is confident they are up for the challenge.

Husmann also made note of Carson Bell, who he stated has been working on his fitness and has emerged as a starter as an outside midfielder. Bell has excellent field vision, and the skills to both possess the ball and score.

Two days later the Outlaws took on East Linn at home. Sisters played without a few key subs, and with a much thinner bench than usual, which gave some of the younger players a chance to step in and contribute.

Junior Austin Dean took a hard knock in Monday’s game and was not able to play his usual midfield position. Husmann opted to play him in goal, which was a first for him this year.

Husmann said, “He’s athletic and adjusted quite well, though we did miss his energy and enthusiasm on the field.”

The Outlaws came into the contest a bit overconfident, and seemed a bit lethargic. They struggled to link their passes together and became somewhat frustrated in the first half.

Sisters did manage to score when Fredland played a cross ball to Aidan Eckert, who knocked it in the net at the 14-minute mark.

Husmann said, “We felt like we should be able to put a lot of points up against these guys, but we just couldn’t find the form we are capable of.”

At the half, the Outlaws held a slim 1-0 lead.

Sisters regrouped and focused on bringing positive energy to the game in the second half. Husmann stated they did play a better brand of soccer and established control of the ball.

In the 56th minute, Baylor Dyer made an exciting run from his defensive spot, and provided a blistering cross to Fredland, who ripped the shot into the back of the net for his first goal of the season.

Husmann said, “It was great to see such excitement from him. It was a well-deserved goal!”

The Outlaws put the game out of reach when they scored again with three minutes left on the clock. Kaczmarek scored the goal off a Christian assist.

Sisters was to play at Pleasant Hill on Monday, October 3. They will also be on the road on Wednesday, for a game against Crosshill Christian.