Boys soccer falls to White Buffs

The Outlaws soccer squad lost 0-5 at home against Madras on Thursday, September 5. The match was scheduled to be played in Madras, but due to smoky conditions was moved to Sisters. The White Buffs are a disciplined and well-coached team and the Outlaws knew they were in for a battle.

One of Sister’s tactical goals was to establish themselves in the midfield, and junior Nick Palmer is a big part of that. Coach Jeff Husmann noted that Palmer is very smart and physical and helped set the tone for their style of play. In addition, senior Danny Benson played with a high work rate throughout the game, as did Andrew Islas, who played a solid game.

The speed of Madras’ wing players gave the White Buffs an advantage, and they capitalized on the mismatches and scored two goals in the first 20 minutes of play.

Husmann told The Nugget his guys could have easily folded, but they responded, made some adjustments, and had tighter marks on some of the White Buff’s more dangerous players.

Seniors Micah Dachtler and Cooper Merrill played tough as center defenders, and helped the Outlaws keep their focus and composure. At the half the Outlaws trailed 0-2.

Sisters has a thin bench and the White Buff’s pace wore them down. The Outlaws were able to stay close the first 15 minutes of the second half, but from there the game got away from them and Madras scored three additional goals.

The Outlaws did have a few chances to score, but the Buffs’ goalie was good and kept their slate clean. 

Husmann told The Nugget that this time of year it’s all about developing individual skill and fitness, developing as a cohesive team, and trying to figure out the team’s character.

Husmann noted that his solid group of freshmen, Alex Nieto, Jasper Jensen, Odin Rea, and JB Greenwood, really showed up for the Outlaws.

“Alex plays at striker and definitely plays bigger than his size,” said Husmann. “He is skilled and intelligent and very coachable. Jasper is establishing himself as a versatile and smart player. He had his hands full, but did a solid job as an outside defender. Odin is a fit and sharp player with good size and instincts, and JB played important minutes as an effective striker. It can be a bit daunting to be a freshman on the varsity pitch, but this coach is excited for these guys to be an important part of this team.

“There are good things ahead for this team,” added Husmann. “Our goal was to learn and gain fitness. We have a couple more weeks of non-league games and this is always part of the process. I am proud and excited for how this team is coming together.”

The Outlaws will play at home against Western Christian on Saturday, September 14.