Outlaws boys soccer season ends in league playoff

The Outlaws fell 2-0 at Siuslaw in a league playoff game on Tuesday, October 29, which brought their season to an end.

Sisters fell earlier in the season to Siuslaw in a final score of 1-2 and felt good about their chances coming into this contest.

Coach Jeff Husmann said, “We’ve had some heart-breaking close losses this year, and our plan for this game was to be focused and have fun. There’s the potential for lots of tough emotions when we lose those close games, but there was a positivity and lightness about this game.”

Early in the game the Outlaws dictated the tempo of play and held possession the majority of the time. Seniors Nick Palmer and Danny Benson were especially motivated to play well.

“Nick had one of his best games of the season, and created opportunities for the Outlaws and distributed the ball well,” said Husmann. “Danny started the contest as an attacking midfielder and then gradually slid into the striker position. Danny was making great movement off the ball and getting some chances to score.”

Unfortunately the Outlaws committed a handball violation 30 minutes into the contest and the Falcons scored on a penalty kick. Outlaws’ keeper, Joseph Derksen, guessed the right way to go, but the ball got underneath him.

“That was a tough goal to give up, especially since we had been dictating creating most of the chances to score,” said Husmann.

In the first half the Outlaws had seven shots on goal, and a few missed their mark by inches. At the half the Outlaws trailed 0-1.

Sisters headed into the second half with the same energy as the first, but five minutes into the final half the Outlaws had a goal kick from their end and failed to challenge for possession. That resulted in the Falcons getting numbers forward and they scored again.

“The Falcons play a counter-attacking style of play, looking to switch fields quickly and catch our outside defenders isolated against their attack, and that’s how they scored that second goal,” said Husmann.

Sisters’ defense did a great job the remainder of the half and kept the Falcons from scoring additional goals, but time expired and the Outlaws took the loss.

Husmann did state that there’s always a bright side to any game, and specifically noted his freshmen players.

“We have progressed individually and collectively as a team this year,” said Husmann. “At any given time there were three freshmen playing on the varsity pitch. Jasper Jensen played some of his best soccer in this game as a striker. His confidence continues to grow as does his understanding of what his role is. Likewise, JB Greenwood and Odin Rea rotated time as a striker. Each adds a different and positive element to our attack. They all are so very hungry to improve and learn their role. Felix Montanez has worked his way into being a starter for us as an outside midfield. Alex Nieto is such an active and intelligent player, even though he can be a bit outsized. He has such a work rate and coachability about him.

“In a way, this game kind of symbolized a passing of the torch from the seniors who have been such a part of the development of this program to the younger guys who are eager to continue the tradition of this program,” added Husmann. “Though we lost, the guys knew we played a solid game. There certainly was good camaraderie and lightheartedness on our last bus ride together. It really is all about building relationships and creating positive memories. I certainly will miss this group of guys while also looking forward to the road ahead.”