Boys soccer falls in tight contest against Riverside

The Outlaws played hard against a very verbal and physical Riverside squad on Saturday, October 9, but came up short and lost the game 2-1.

Sisters has been working hard all season to be the team that sets the tone of the game early with a physical style of play, and they did just that against the Pirates. In the first 12 to 15 minutes the Outlaws did what they set out to do, and worked as a cohesive unit both on defense and in the midfield.

The Outlaws started the game with poise and controlled the tempo and possession. At the 20-minute mark Vince Christian hit a beautiful bending goal with an assist from Aidan Eckert, and at the half held a 1-0 lead.

In the second half, the energy and momentum shifted in the Pirate’s favor, and they scored early to tie the game 1-1.

Sisters was never able to find their rhythm in the final half. The Pirates were chippy and physical, and in the Outlaws’ half most of the time.

Fatigue and injury also played a part as two of the Outlaws most solid players, Tate Kaczmarek and Aidan Eckert had to be sidelined midway through the half.

In their absence, Carson Bell stepped up. Bell is just a sophomore and according to Husmann is nipping at the heels of some of the Outlaws strongest players trying hard for a starting spot on the squad.

“Carson has a solid understanding of the game and is adjusting well to the pace of the varsity game,” said Husmann. “I’m excited to see his commitment to improving and his understanding of our game plan.”

Sisters was never able to regain control of the midfield, but the Outlaws defense kept the game close as the Pirates had several opportunities to score.

With just under four minutes left in the contest Riverside scored the go-ahead goal and held on for the win.

Husmann noted the play of defensive players, Sean Alvarez, Gus Patton, Baylor Dyer and Noah Pittman.

“Sean and Gus did a great job and worked together,” said Husmann. “Gus has a smart style of play and seems to mature with each situation and each game, and is a positive leader on the team. Baylor also played an impressive game. He is intuitive and athletic and is finding his place on the team. Noah brings a certain swagger to the position of outside back and has improved on his decision making. Both Noah and Baylor caused multiple offsides on their strikers, and frustrated their offense in the first half.”

Husmann told The Nugget that keeper Corbin Fredland also played an impressive game. He recorded numerous saves against Riverside’s strikers.

“Our boys played their hearts out, but this one hurt,” Husmann said. “You could see it in their faces. An emotional coach reminded them that we have high aspirations and we need to lean into each other, particularly when it’s tough. I love this team and look forward to the challenges ahead. Sports is just a vehicle to learn more about one’s self and each other.”

Sisters was to host Stayton on Tuesday, October 12. They will host Sweet Home on Thursday.