Outlaw boys take tough losses in soccer

The Outlaws fell 2-1 on the road at Siuslaw on Monday, September 30, and three days later suffered a tough 1-0 loss to the Eagles at Santiam Christian (SC).

Despite the loss to Siuslaw on Monday the Outlaws proved they are able to compete with the best teams in the league, and that bodes well as the Outlaws finish up the second half of the season.

Siuslaw is one of the strongest teams in the league, they are well-coached, and can score goals. They have fast forwards and can beat their opponents’ defense with speed. According to Coach Jeff Husmann the Outlaws did a tremendous job of neutralizing the Siuslaw attack.

Micah Dachtler, Cooper Merrill, Carter Van Meter, and Andrew Islas have established themselves as a strong and stingy defense, and Husmann had praise for each of these senior players.

Husmann said, “Although Carter is a senior, it’s really only his second year playing soccer and he improves with every opportunity. Cooper and Micah really communicate well as center backs, and Andrew is such a skilled and smart player and has been making well-timed runs forward as part of our attack. These boys really helped keep us in this game.”

The Outlaws that continue to be workhorses in the middle are Danny Benson and Nick Palmer.

“Nick is a fierce competitor and really stepped up in this game,” said Husmann. “Danny’s role has changed a bit this year (last year as a striker and this year in the center of the pitch) and he’s been playing outstanding. He fights to gain and maintain possession and distributes the ball beautifully.”

Siuslaw’s first goal came just 10 minutes into the contest on a long-range shot that dipped over the keeper’s head.

Sisters was able to slow down Siuslaw’s offense, found their own rhythm, linked passes and played as a solid unit. Husmann noted that the Outlaws played with confidence and intensity. Despite being down 0-1 at the half, the Outlaws were positive and knew they could compete with Siuslaw.

The Outlaws started off the second half a bit sluggish and Siuslaw scored early to go up by two.

Sisters continued to play their style and controlled the midfield. Later in the half Benson took the ball right at the center of their defense, then played a lay-off pass to freshman Felix Montanez, who struck the ball off one of their defenders and into the net for his first ever varsity goal.

“Felix is gaining comfort and confidence and has earned himself a starting job as an outside midfielder,” said Husmann. “He is coachable and optimistic. He and fellow freshman Alex Nieto have such vision and patience.”

The Outlaws did a lot of defending for the remainder of the contest, and gave up several corner kicks. They continued to battle and found chances, but were unable to capitalize.

Junior Joseph Derksen did an outstanding job in goal for the Outlaws and Husmann noted his play.

“Joseph is physical and active and made a handful of spectacular saves, some at point blank range,” stated Husmann.

Sisters recorded a tough loss at home against the SC Eagles on Thursday, October 3.

Husmann told The Nugget that SC has been a thorn in the Outlaws’ side the last two seasons.

“They have been our only loss in league play the last two seasons,” said Husmann. “We knew it was going to be a tough game on their turf.”

Sisters once again had a slow start and seven minutes into the contest the Eagles capitalized on an Outlaws’ miscommunication and scored.

After that first goal, the Outlaws’ defense found their footing, and the team possessed the ball a bit more. At the half Sisters was down 0-1.

The Outlaws’ plan in the second half was to try and expose some of the Eagles’ outside defenders and play as a group into the finishing third. In the second half, both teams had a hard time maintaining possession, and a couple of yellow cards were handed out to both squads.

Late in the half the Outlaws were creating chances, had a sense of urgency, tested the Eagles’ young goalkeeper, but couldn’t capitalize.

“Emotions were charged for both teams,” said Husmann. “We outplayed them in the second half, yet couldn’t score.”

The final whistle blew and the Outlaws took the loss.

Husmann made note of sub Frank Trask, and goalkeeper Derksen.

“Frank played very well when we needed him to,” said Husmann. “It’s hard to be a sub on our team and he has remained positive and was ready to contribute when we needed him. Joseph continues to get better each game. He’s bold, reads the play well, and is becoming the type of leader you want. It was a tough loss. I really wanted this win, particularly for the seniors. It was a tough loss as we felt we needed to win in order to keep our postseason hopes alive. An emotional loss for me, but then again, soccer is fickle.”

The Outlaws will host La Pine on Wednesday, October 9, and on Friday, October 11, will be on the road at Crosshill Christian.