The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

The Outlaws defeated Newport 3-2 at home on Thursday, April 1, in their last league game of the season, making for a nice finish for seniors Simon Rhett, Connor Martin, and Nathaniel Alvarez, who were honored that night.

Rhett has been a workhorse for the Outlaws all season long, and Coach Jeff Husmann noted that he always puts in extra effort.

“Simon is a leader and helps the younger players and ‘new’ kids feel part of the team,” said Husmann. “He’s very analytical and likes talking about how to improve as a collective unit.”

Martin has been a part of the team for four years and has helped establish the positive culture of the squad.

“Connor is such an amazing kid with so many interests that he will, no doubt, be successful in whatever he does,” said Husmann. “He’s solid as an athlete and as a human. He knows his job, and is so reliable and always gives maximum effort.”

Alvarez moved to Sisters two years ago, and is among the top goalkeepers in the district.

“Despite his chill, fun-loving nature, Nathaniel always works to improve and is articulate in communication with peers and coaches,” said Husmann.

The Outlaws had a crowd out for senior night in the evenly matched game against the visiting Cubs. Sisters went down early, and gave up two goals within the first 15 minutes of the contest. One goal came off a ricochet after an aggressive save from Outlaws keeper Nathaniel Alvarez. Nathaniel took a very hard shot off his stomach that bounced off another player and went in.

Husmann said, “I just can’t say enough about this kid (Alvarez). He’s so chill, and knowledgeable and he’s always in the right positions. We’ve been so fortunate to have him as a leader of this team.

“It was a very physical game and though we are not against that style, it’s not our wheelhouse,” added Husmann. “Our game is to control the midfield, mark tight defensively and build opportunities from pressure across the pitch.”

The Outlaws had opportunities, but just couldn’t get a goal, and at the half trailed 0-2.

The second half was a different story. The Outlaws took control and set the tone of the game.

Sisters got on the board in the 48th minute, when Bryan Reimer scored on a play set up by Tate Kazmerek. A short time later, Ricky Huffman scored on a pass from Gavin Christian, and tied it up 2-2.

Ten minutes later, Huffman sent a through-ball to Christian who knocked it in and put the Outlaws on top 3-2.

“Gavin is such a scrappy player and finds a way to get the ball at his feet,” said Husmann. “He’s not a polished player, but so effective. He knows his job and fully commits to it.”

Sisters held onto the one-goal lead to post the win.

“I’m so proud of the focus and resilience the boys showed,” said Husmann. “We knew we had various advantages and we began to collectively expose them.”

Husmann noted Ricky Huffman and Gavin Christian who he stated put together some very crafty plays.

“They compliment each other with tenacity and communication,” said Husmann. “Gavin plays with such energy and attitude and it was so awesome to see his energy and efforts rewarded.”

Two days earlier, the Outlaws were on the road at Cascade and finished the game with a 1-1 tie.

Sisters was able to control the midfield and played strong defense in all positions. In the 25th minute Reimer, who Husmann stated has a nose for the goal and can be a pest for the opposition, scored for the Outlaws and gave them a 1-0 edge over the Cougars.

The Outlaws had several chances to score, hitting the post and crossbar at least four times, but just couldn’t get it in the net.

Cascade relied on a couple of talented strikers, who tried to catch the Outlaws out of position with a counter-attack style of play

Husmann said, “We’d seen them play before and we knew if we closed down on the developing play early, their dangerous weapons could be neutralized. Collectively, we did this, particularly in the first half. We had unified effort and defensive energy in all positions.”

Sisters held a 1-0 advantage at the half.

In the second half, Cascade had the momentum on their side. The Cougars created many corner kick opportunities, and were in the Outlaws’ territory for much of the second half. With just under 10 minutes left, the Cougars evened the score 1-1. The score held until the final whistle and the game ended in a 1-1 draw.

Husmann made special note of Noah Pittman, who came off the bench nursing an injury.

“Noah made life very difficult for their star striker,” said Husmann. “Noah has such a high work rate and responds well to the challenge of a specific task. He helped shut down much of their offense. I’m stoked with his improvements this year.”