Outlaws defeat Delphian in pre-season

The boys soccer squad defeated the Delphian Dragons 3-1 on the road on Friday, August 30. The Dragons were the team that knocked them out of the playoffs last year. Delphian is a private school with skilled club players, and Sisters came out ready for a tough match.

Danny Benson scored Sisters first goal early in the first half to put the Outlaws on top 1-0.

Coach Jeff Husmann described their second goal as the best-orchestrated goal of the night: Nick Palmer peppered the ball to freshman Alex Nieto, who received the pass and kicked it off to Danny Benson. Benson took one touch, and then sent a well-placed ball into the lower left corner for the score and a 2-0 Outlaws lead.

With approximately 12 minutes left in the first half the momentum shifted and the Dragons possessed the ball. Outlaw goalie Joseph Derksen was kept very busy and was able to save multiple shots on goal. Unfortunately, Delphian converted one of their numerous shots and narrowed the lead to 2-1.

Husmann told The Nugget that Derksen trained hard in the off season and is very motivated to become a better goalie.

“Joseph is very coachable and he continues to learn from every game,” said Husmann. “He stayed calm in some very nervy moments today, and is going to be a big part of our competitiveness this year.”

The Dragons controlled most of the second half, but Sisters was able to score one more goal and secure the win.

With 15 minutes left in the contest an infraction was called on the Dragons and the Outlaws earned a set piece. Nick Palmer kicked the ball 35 yards, and tempted the Dragon’s goalie to step out of the box. The kick was perfect and Andrew Islas made a beautiful header right into the back of the net.

“We’re not a big, tall team, so for Andrew to put a head on the ball was neat to see,” said Husmann. “And, Nick is such a positive contributor to our team on all fronts for sure, from the practice field to how he helps players approach games.”

The Outlaws will continue their pre-season play at Madras on Thursday, September 5.