The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

The Outlaws opened their season at Madras against the White Buffaloes and after a hard-fought battle fell 2-3. Another tough battle at home against Redmond two days later ended in a 1-3 loss.

The boys team was evenly matched against the White Buffs in Tuesday’s contest.

Coach Jeff Husmann told The Nugget the team has been stressing the importance of setting the tone and tempo early in a game, and the Outlaws did just that. In the seventh minute, Vincent Christian scored off an assist from Danny Benson. It was Benson’s first start as an Outlaw, and he didn’t disappoint.

Husmann said, “Vincent has such a high work rate and is such a crafty player. He did such a great job of finding space behind their defensive unit and capitalized early.”

Husmann also noted that teams are most vulnerable the first few minutes after they score, and that proved to be the case. Madras countered and scored just one minute later, which gave them the momentum. The White Buffs scored again at the 14-minute mark and took a 2-1 lead.

Teams battled evenly for the remainder of the first half. Sisters did have several shot attempts but just could not get the ball into the net.

In the beginning of the second half, Sisters controlled possession of the ball, but midway through Madras tested the Outlaws’ defense.

Madras put pressure on the defense and the Outlaws got a bit out of sync. Midway through the half, a foul was called inside the Outlaws’ own box, which resulted in a penalty kick. Senior Taine Martin made an outstanding save, prevented the score, and kept the game close. In the 71st minute the White Buffs scored and went up 3-1.

Despite the heat and fatigue, the Outlaws continued to fight. Christian scored with just five minutes left in the contest, with a beautiful assist from Aidan Eckert to close the gap to 2-3.

Husmann said, “Aidan is often involved in helping orchestrate our attack-minded offense. This energized our team; however, we were unable to get the tying goal. I was very pleased with the work of our players and their belief in each other. We’re learning the character of this team, and so far it looks quite promising.”

Husmann also made note of several of his defensive players.

“Gus Patton, senior and co-captain, is the leader of the defensive back line, is a very smart player, and communicates well, said Husmann. “Freshman Jesse Polachek is part of our one-two punch at center back and he established himself as a stout and speedy defender in his first varsity match of the season.

“Logan Ryba joins us from football and has shown his willingness to improve and will be a big part of this defense,” added Husmann. “This group is learning how to play together and as they do, we will be tough to beat.”

Two days later the Outlaws battled a tough Redmond squad. The Panthers quickly showed their offensive power and speed and eight minutes into the contest scored on a well-timed run.

Sisters was not able to establish their possession game in the midfield and as a result had to weather several early attacks. They were also a bit disorganized on defense, and in the 21st minute the Panthers scored again.

Seven minutes later Redmond knocked in another goal to take a 3-0 lead, which held until halftime.

Husmann said, “Though it’s tough to come back from three goals down, what impressed me was the resilience of this group of young men. We could have folded, yet there was optimism and a greater sense of urgency as the second half got underway. I am proud of how our guys regrouped and showed a better brand of soccer in the second half. This tenacity and mental fortitude will serve us well when we get into league play.”

Husmann noted a few positive takeaways from the game.

“Micah Dachtler, in just his second varsity match, played an outstanding game as an outside midfielder,” said Husmann. “He played the entire 80 minutes, chased down loose balls, and played scrappy defense. He showed that he can play at this level and that he is up for the challenge.

“Another positive is the continued growth of our defensive unit,” added Husmann. “They are learning their respective responsibilities and strengths. Evan Martin played a very solid game at right back, and Logan Ryba improves in left back every time he takes the pitch.”

Sisters was scheduled to play at Mt. View on Tuesday, September 6. They will play at home against Crook County on Thursday, September 8.