Boys soccer splits matches

The boys soccer squad started their week with a 2-0 shutout at home against Elmira on Tuesday, October 15. Two days later they fell 4-0 at home against Central Linn.

In Tuesday’s action, the Outlaws had trouble finding their rhythm in the first half, and the Falcons were motivated to get an upset. Sisters did have a couple of opportunities in the first half, but were unable to score, and at the half it was 0-0.

Sisters did a bit better in the second half and scored about midway through. Mason Dahl, at outside midfielder, was getting some space and created some chances for the Outlaws. He provided an assist to Felix Montanez in a goal that barely trickled over the line.

Late in the game Nick Palmer assisted Danny Benson to make it 2-0.

“Though we were the stronger team, they definitely played a better brand of soccer than we did,” said Coach Jeff Husmann. “We typically try to play small ball and control the midfield, but got away from our game plan pretty early. They have a center back who is fast and strong and rather than play away from him we seemed to play directly at their strongest player.”

Thursday was senior night for the Outlaws and all five players, Micah Dachtler, Cooper Merrill, Danny Benson, Andrew Islas, and Carter Van Meter), were honored prior to the start of the contest.

Husmann said, “Every group of seniors has their own personality. The common quality of these young men is their commitment to this program and putting team in front of self. This group of guys have been part of the strong growth of our team.” I have truly enjoyed getting to know these young men.”

Husmann made note of each one.

Dachtler has played every position through the course of his four years, and been on the varsity squad the past two years.

“Micah is such an integral part of this team and personifies what this program is,” said Husmann. He is such a balanced individual and highly coachable. His is a true team player, always willing to play the position we need him to, not just what he likes.”

Merrill has played on the varsity team the past two years.

“Cooper is such a positive leader on this team,” said Husmann. “He models day-in-and-day-out what a balanced student-athlete looks like. He continually helps coach the younger guys. He is such an involved person and the kind of kid you want your own to be friends with. He brings a physicality to our defense.”

Benson has played on the varsity squad all four years.

“It’s been a treat watching Danny develop,” said Husmann. “He and his family moved into Sisters his freshman year. He was quiet, skilled, and ‘the new kid.’ He has become such an integral part of our team. In addition to being a skilled player, he has learned to be the selfless kind of player that truly helps elevate the team. He’s mentor to the younger players, truly loves the game, has a strong soccer IQ, is a strong communicator, and often helps come up with tactics.”

Islas has been a part of the varsity squad for three years.

“Andrew has truly been the pleasant surprise this year,” said Husmann. “By nature, he is a fairly laid back sort of person. However, underneath that calm demeanor is a competitive and fiery individual. He’s continually improved, and is a quiet leader on the team. He is such a competitor and student of the beautiful game.”

Van Meter rounds out the senior players.

“Carter came to us from football just two years ago,” said Husmann. “Though a bit green with soccer experience, he is such an athletic, scrappy and smart kid. He played JV almost exclusively last year. This year, he has played every minute of every game. He’s tough, so coachable, and brings a humble and workmanlike mentality to the game.”

Soon the game was underway. The Outlaws hope for the game was to put together a strategy that would identify CL’s weaknesses and expose them. The Outlaws hope was to be competitive and get an upset. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen.

Early in the game, Central Linn played a solid through ball that led to an early goal. 

“Their speed of play was tough for us to match,” said Husmann.

Sisters created some opportunities in the first half and disrupted the flow of their midfield by doing better winning the 50/50 ball, and Husmann stated that there was a positivity and inspired energy throughout much of the first half.

Just a couple minutes before the halftime whistle, the Outlaws turned the ball over and CL quickly counter-attacked and made it a 0-2 game.

Husmann said, “That goal was a turning point in the game and you could read it in the body language of our guys. It’s tough to rally back against such a strong and balanced team.”

Sisters was unable to keep up their energy levels in the second half, and they struggled to keep possession. CL scored two additional goals and recorded the win.

“Our boys played some of the best soccer in this game that we’ve seen this year,” said Husmann. “This is what you want to see, all getting better throughout the year. Our guys knew that we played well and can certainly be proud of how we played.”