Outlaws fall in close games

The Outlaws fell 3-2 in a close contest at home against Mountain View (MV) on Tuesday, September 5, and two days later lost 2-3 at Crook County (CC).

In Tuesday’s soccer action, a good-sized energetic crowd gathered to watch the Outlaws in their first home game of the season. The Outlaws were evenly matched with Mt. View, but they gave up early goals.

Coach Jeff Husmann told The Nugget that Mountain View has a couple of very crafty and speedy players, and the Cougars scored just three minutes into the contest.

“We were a bit too quiet during warm ups, and this sluggishness was evident in the first 20 minutes,” said Husmann.

Mountain View scored their second goal at the 20-minute mark, which put the Outlaws down 0-2.

Momentum shifted four minutes later when Carson Bell drew a hard foul. Vincent Christian took the set piece, and hit a beautiful dipping ball into the net to put the Outlaws on the scoreboard.

Husmann said, “Vincent is so calm in these situations and trains for just these moments. The goal energized the boys and gave them the confidence we were lacking to that point. Both Carson and Vincent draw a lot of attention from the opposition’s defenses and both these guys model the kind of work rate you want out of your leadership.”

At the half Sisters trailed 1-2.

The Outlaws wanted to set the tone in the second half and they did. They were able to create some early opportunities and in the 48th minute Bell drew two to three guys on him and then made a beautiful assist to Danny Benson right through the middle of the Cougar defense. Benson slotted the ball past the keeper to knot it up 2-2.

Fatigue set in and MV was able to score in the 60th minute when the Outlaws lapsed in their communication. Sisters continued to work and push forward but were unable to score and MV recorded the win.

Husmann noted Logan Rybka, who he stated played an outstanding game in goal.

“Logan is learning every game,” said Husmann. “There were many highlight moments for this senior. He made several spectacular and nervy boots outside of his keeper box. It is certainly effective, but it does make the coaches nervous. He’s such a tough and coachable kid.”

Husmann also told The Nugget that Cooper Merrill had a very solid game. Merrill is moved around quite a bit, and is always up to the challenge that the coaches ask of him.  

Two days later the Outlaws lost on the road to the Crook County Cowboys, who are a very physical team and came ready to play. 

Sisters came out tentative, which allowed the Crook County Cowboys to control possession through much of the first half. CC had several shots on goal in the first half and keeper Rybka kept the Outlaws in the game.

Just four minutes before the close of the first half the Cowboys scored the first goal of the contest. In the final minute a very soft foul was called on the Outlaws’ center back, which gave the Cowboys a penalty kick. They scored and at the half the Outlaws trailed 0-2.

“Our boys came off the field looking dejected,” said Husmann. “They know they are capable of playing better and we will. I was impressed with the leadership of Micah Dachtler. He spoke up and let his teammates know we were playing timid, watching them win the ball out of the air, and not matching their physicality.”

Dachtler’s leadership carried over onto the field and helped the Outlaws claw their way back into the game, however, the Cowboys scored their third goal five minutes into the second half.

Sisters finally got on the scoreboard at the 55-minute mark. Christian drew two to three defenders to him, which allowed Danny Benson to make an unmarked run right in front of the goal. Christian played a lovely ball to Benson’s feet and he slotted it past the keeper.

The Outlaws used that momentum and began to link up some passes in the midfield and put the Cowboys’ defense on their heels. A short time later, Cooper Merrill was able to poke the ball in to close the gap to 2-3.

“Cooper is really developing into a versatile and physical player for us,” said Husmann. 

Sisters created chances late in the game with two very close; Austin Dean headed the ball and it pinged off the crossbar, and Bell ripped a shot that just missed the target.

Although the Outlaws played a much better second half they were not able to get the ball into the net to even the score.

Husmann said, “This team has such a strong potential, but it was a tough loss. These boys trust and believe in each other and I believe in them. We will get back on track, particularly when we get into league play.”

The Outlaws will play at Riverside on Thursday, September 14, in their last non-league game.