Outlaws log two straight shutouts on the pitch

The Outlaws boys soccer squad served up two strong performances on the pitch this past week — an 8-0 win on the road at La Pine on Tuesday, October 3, and an 8-0 win at home two days later against Crosshill Christian.

In Tuesday’s action against the Hawks the Outlaws scored early and often. At the three- minute mark Andrew Islas scored off an assist from Cooper Merrill, which was quickly followed by a Vincent Christian goal off a Nick Palmer assist.

The Outlaws scored twice more, in the 13th and 14th minute. Carson Bell scored when he broke through the heart of the Hawks’ defense, and Danny Benson followed with another score off a Christian assist.

Coach Jeff Husmann told The Nugget that the Outlaws play their best brand of soccer when they control the midfield and play small ball. Midway through the first half, Sisters lost a bit of focus and reverted to trying to make long passes, and Husmann stated that this kind of play results in unnecessary turnovers and slows down the scoring. The Outlaws made the necessary adjustments, got back on track, and scored three additional goals before the half; two goals from Christian, and a goal from Benson. Islas and Palmer were each credited with an assist.

“We have several offensive weapons and when we play for each other, it makes it very difficult to defend against us,” said Husmann.

At the half, the Outlaws were on top 7-0.

Sisters lost a bit of their sense of urgency in the second half, and it took approximately 18 minutes before the Outlaws scored their eighth and final goal of the night when Christian drilled a set piece into the back of the net.

“Vincent really is a talented player and often draws two to three defenders,” said Husmann. “He is great at finding the open guy as well as finishing himself.”

Husmann told The Nugget he was impressed with the work rate and movement off the ball of Andrew Islas, who he stated is really settling into the position of striker.

“I commend the positive attitude of the La Pine players and coach,” added Husmann. “They are light on numbers and are trying to build a stronger program.”

On Thursday at home against Crosshill Christian, the Outlaws were short a few players due to injury, but still put together an outstanding performance. They settled into their style of play and took control of the match from the start.

Danny Benson scored in the 13th minute off a Vincent Christian assist; three minutes later Christian scored off a Carson Bell assist; and in the next minute of play Bell scored off an Ivan Alport assist.

“This was Ivan’s first varsity start and he played a very solid game,” said Husmann. “He is a fierce competitor and is learning the tempo of the varsity game. I’m stoked for him over the next couple of years.”

Sisters tacked on five more goals in the next 20 minutes. Benson scored off a Christian assist, and then again from Benson when he hit a beautiful and technically difficult half volley that ripped right past the keeper. The third came from Alport, who headed one in off a corner kick for his first varsity goal.

Christian scored his second goal of the night at the 37-minute mark, with Evan Martin serving a beautiful cross for the assist. Baylor Dyer wrapped up the scoring spree two minutes later to finish the game just before the half.

Husmann told The Nugget that Dyer is very exciting to watch but does make the coaches a bit nervous.

“Baylor is wicked fast and when he makes runs out of the back, it catches the opposition by surprise,” said Husmann. “He had made a few of these runs before a making a tantalizing run and dribbling right by several defenders. I love how excited his teammates were for him, as defenders don’t always get the attention that the goal scorers do.”

Husmann noted Christian and Benson, who he stated are becoming quite the pair, and in the last four games have scored eight goals each. Bell was also noted for his smart decisions with the ball and praised for his unselfish play.

“What impressed me the most about this game was how balanced we were on our attack,”said Husmann. “Scoring goals is the name of the game, but what I really pay attention to is how we develop those goal-scoring opportunities. We’ve been stressing moving off the ball and making runs, not necessarily to receive a pass, but to create space for a teammate to run into behind their back line. This team is maturing and seeing the fruits of playing selflessly. It’s our mantra and the key to our success.

“Our games this week were characterized by confident, cohesive, and selfless play,” added Husmann. “I’ve particularly been impressed with how this team has embraced the challenges that come up with any season. Injury and sickness always show up, but this also provides an opportunity for some of our subs to get a chance to gain experience on the varsity pitch.”

The Outlaws were to play at Elmira on Tuesday, October 10. They will play on the road at Central Linn on Thursday.