Boys soccer ends league play with loss

The Outlaws fell 1-0 at Pleasant Hill on October 23, in their final league game of the season. On Thursday they lost 0-2 at home against Gervais in a non-league game.

Sisters struggled to get used to Pleasant Hill’s fast and bouncy artificial grass field. The Billies won the 50/50 balls and had possessed the ball the majority of the first half.

Coach Jeff Husmann said, “It often takes us a bit to get settled into the game, but it seemed we never really clicked as a unit. As a whole group, we were giving them too much space in dangerous positions. Eventually, this came to haunt us a bit.”

The Billies scored late in the first half, which boosted their energy and confidence.

In the second half the Outlaws did a bit better, and Husmann told The Nugget that they started to show a greater sense of urgency and created a few chances, but were unable to score. The game ended in a 1-0 loss.

Husmann said, “Winning is a team effort as losing is a group responsibility, and the guys seemed to understand that. Some of it is that some of our guys really haven’t played in games where emotions run high. Like all games, chalk it up to experience.”

A day later, the Outlaws hosted Gervais in a non-league game.

It was their last home game of the season.

Husmann said, “I get a bit emotional for the seniors, especially as they have put in so much time and heart into this program. Both teams played tough games the night before, so finding energy was a bit problematic.”

Sisters started out well, maintained possession, and were able to link up passes, but just couldn’t get the ball in the goal.

“One thing that has plagued us this year is finding the back of the net and finishing goals,” said Husmann. “We create chances but have struggled to score goals.”

At the half the Outlaws trailed 1-0.

The Outlaws controlled most of the game in the second half, but still struggled to beat the Gervais keeper, and often their shots were directly at him.

“It can be frustrating when you are winning the battles, but lose the war,” said Husmann. “This was the case.”

Gervais once again scored on a counter attack, time expired, and the Outlaws took the loss.

The Outlaws were scheduled for a league playoff game Tuesday, October 29, at Siuslaw.