The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

The Sisters boys varsity soccer team played new league foe Pleasant Hill to a draw last week, then defeated Stayton at home for the team's first league win.

The Outlaws hit the road to Pleasant Hill on Tuesday, October 8, and came away with a 2-2 tie.

"It was a hard-fought, physical game," said Coach Mark Keel.

The Billies drew first blood with a goal just before the half to take a 1-0 lead.

Sisters rallied in the second half with two goals of their own to go up 2-1. First, Rod Helwig scored an unassisted goal in the 49th minute to equalize things. Alan Dale scored unassisted in the 65th minute to give the Outlaws a lead.

Pleasant Hill tied it in the 72nd minute to round out the scoring.

"We had multiple opportunities to put the game away, but just didn't do it," said Keel.

The Outlaws then played host to Stayton on Thursday, October 10, and upended the Eagles by a convincing 4-1 score.

"It was our first league win, and it felt good," said Coach Keel.

Rod Helwig scored in the 10th minute of the game to give Sisters a lead they never relinquished.

Alan Dale scored on an indirect free kick, and Sisters was up 2-0.

Then came what Coach Keel called the key turning point in the game. Goalie Will Mennesson made a critical block of a penalty kick.

"That block was huge. It really helped us build momentum," he said.

Rory Koch took advantage and scored unassisted in the 24th minute. Stayton answered with a goal, and at the half Sisters had a 3-1 lead.

"We came out in the second half and pressed hard. We continued to play well and put pressure on them," said the coach.

Mike Wallis finished the scoring with an assist by Rod Helwig. The Outlaws had 35 shots on goal compared to 24 for Stayton.

"We got great play out of our defense, particularly Jeff Boswell and Ford Bauer. We also had great mid-field support from Alan Dale and Pat Bryan," said Keel.

The boys' record is 1-3-1 in league, 2-6-2 overall.