Boys soccer squad posts two wins in a week

The Outlaws defeated the La Pine Hawks 6-1 at home on Wednesday, October 9, and came back two days later with a 4-0 shut out at Crosshill Christian.

In Wednesday’s action the Outlaws faced a Hawk squad whose plan seemed to be to play physically at the risk of even fouling early and often. After one heavy foul, the Outlaws earned a set piece just five minutes into the contest. Micah Dachtler hit a beautiful dipping shot from approximately 30 yards out.

Coach Jeff Husmann said, “As a center back, Micah doesn’t get too many chances to score so it was nice to see him get things going for us.”

In the 10th minute Danny Benson battled through the central part of the field, drew a crowd, and then laced off a pass to Alex Nieto, who slotted the ball into the back of the net.

Sisters scoring spree continued. They earned a corner kick, and Benson took the corner. Just prior to the corner kick Husmann subbed in freshman JB Greenwood and was extremely pleased with his play.

“JB is a freshman, has such a nose for the goal, and is a big target for us,” said Husmann. “Literally, his first touch of the game was climbing up the ladder and heading the ball into the net off of Danny’s corner. He was all smiles! I’m so happy for that kid. He has a bright future with us!”

At the half the Outlaws were on top 3-0.

Sisters played a bit sloppy at the start of the second half and in the chaos, the Hawks hit a shot to get on the board.

The Outlaws got back on track in the 70th minute when Felix Montanez provided a nice lay off assist to Greenwood who got his second goal of the contest. Husmann told The Nugget that Montanez has earned a starting spot as an outside midfielder and seems to gain confidence each game.

“We’re excited when this type of selfless play is orchestrated by the young guys on the team,” said Husmann. “Rivets starting popping on the La Pine boat, and their spirit was broken.”

The Outlaws earned another set piece after a heavy foul in the middle of the field. Nick Palmer and Cooper Merrill crafted a smart plan and played a give-and-go, and then Palmer hit a banger from far out for the goal.

Sisters final goal came from Mason Dahl, who made a solo run down the left side of the field for the score.

Sisters wrapped up their week with a shut out on a rough field at Jefferson against Crosshill Christian. It took the Outlaws a bit to get used to the field and then they started to link their passes together.

Husmann said, “When we play confidently, connect small passes, and make runs off the ball, good things can happen.”

In the 26th minute Benson made an assist to Greenwood, who Husmann noted is developing as a target striker. Greenwood dictated play and carried much of the possession throughout the contest.

Eleven minutes later holding midfielder Palmer made an uncontested run through the middle of the pitch and hit a shot from 35 yards out that dipped just over the keeper’s head. Husmann stated that Palmer caught the goalkeeper out of position and made him pay.

At the half the Outlaws held a 2-0 lead.

One highlight of the second half was when freshman Montanez battled for a loose ball on the sidelines, got to the end line, and laced off a well-weighted pass to Greenwood, who hit it in for his second goal of the game.

Late in the game Palmer tallied his second goal on a nice left-footed shot, which took the wind out of Crosshill Christian’s sails. Time expired and Sisters recorded the shut out.

Husmann said, “Our defense did a very solid job, particularly in the second half by disallowing their central players to develop an attack. There were a few nervy moments, but we controlled this game. The younger players gained confidence and trust from the veteran players, and it was good to see the boys enjoy the game. This trust and team effort will be important through the remainder of the season.”

Sisters was to play at home against Elmira on Tuesday, October 15. They will wrap up their week at home on Thursday against Central Linn.