Outlaws boys soccer ends the week with a win

The Outlaws boys soccer team fell 4-0 at Creswell on Monday, September 23, but came back three days later and beat East Linn Christian 3-1.

Sisters knew the Creswell Bulldogs would be motivated to beat them, as they were the team the Outlaws played for the league championship last year in a come-from-behind 5-4 win.

Coach Jeff Husmann told The Nugget that one of the challenges the team has faced this year is their slow start to the games, coming out cautious and flat-footed. The Outlaws gave Creswell too much space in dangerous situations, the Bulldogs capitalized early in the match, and the Outlaws did not match them physically.

Creswell scored three goals in the first half as they controlled the midfield and dictated the style of play. Sisters regrouped and came out in the second half with a sense of urgency, and did a better job of tighter marks on the Creswell players.

“We played with the confidence necessary to compete,” said Husmann. “We created chances and were able to unsettle their defense.”

The Outlaws played even with the Bulldogs the second half, and only allowed one late goal when they were stretched on defense.

Husmann was pleased with his freshmen players, especially Odin Rea.

“I really commend this group of freshmen for learning with every game,” said Husmann. “Specifically, Odin Rea, who really grew up in this game. He is such a coachable kid and the older guys really are learning to trust him.”

Husmann added, “Junior Dugan Draper continues to get better each game. He plays outside midfield and is tenacious and wants to be involved. Likewise, senior Cooper Merrill and Carter Van Meter just got off an IEE expedition and were quite tired from a three-day trip. They rallied and really kept us in the game.”

Husmann also made note of goalkeeper Joseph Derksen, who he stated that despite the loss, played an outstanding game in goal.

“He (Derksen) is learning to read the big crosses and is developing the boldness and quick decision making that’s required for the position,” said Husmann. “He will continue to get better.”

On Thursday, September 26, the Outlaws recorded a win at home against a very physical East Linn Christian squad. The first 25 minutes of the contest teams played even, and then in the 30th minute the Outlaws got on the scoreboard. Right back Van Meter made a big run up the right side of the field, and made a nice pass to Mason Dahl, who slotted the ball past the keeper. The Outlaws held onto the 1-0 lead as teams entered the half.

The physicality of the match ramped up even more in the second half, and the Outlaws worked to stay mentally balanced and focused on their game plan. One minute into the final half, Danny Benson played a through ball to Andrew Islas, who placed it past the keeper. Late in the match, the Outlaws earned a set piece when Benson was fouled about 30 yards out. Midfielder Nick Palmer took the free kick and Husmann stated “it was a beauty!” Palmer dipped the ball over the wall and into the upper corner past the keeper to give the Outlaws a 3-0 lead. The final minutes were a bit disjointed and East Linn earned a corner in the last minute of the game and poked the ball into the net.

Husmann said, “I’m proud of how our boys responded to the physicality. We played a better brand of soccer in the second half, and linked passes and made runs into space behind their back line. We also did a better job of exposing their weaknesses.”

Sisters defense had a great performance and committed very few mistakes. East Linn Christian had some speed advantages in the central part of their attack, but the Outlaws’ four seniors (Merrill, Van Meter, Micah Dachtler, and Islas) stymied that threat.

Husmann was pleased with the performance of several players.

“Dugan was very effective as an outside midfielder,” said Husmann. “He gets better each game and is learning his value to this team. We’ve been moving Jasper around a bit, trying to find what spot works best for him. (He played outside midfield and striker this match.) He’s a skilled player and this was his best performance so far. Felix Montanez isn’t the biggest guy, but he has excellent anticipation and soccer IQ.”

Sisters was to play on the road at Siuslaw on Monday, September 30. They will host Santiam Christian on Thursday, October 3.