Sweet Home lost 9-0 at home in girls soccer against Philomath on Oct. 8.
Coach Ramiro Santana said he was down five starters for various reasons going into the game. They included Chloe Fairchild, keeper Mo Curtis, Emily Farthing, Kailey James and Marin Weld.
Katie Robeck filled in at goalie in the first half, while Natalie Rodgers played in the net during the second half.
“We didn’t do that bad,” Santana said. “That first half, we ended up being 3-0. We played the game as best we could for what we have.”
Being down three or four players is a big deal, he said. “You can see how the team struggles.”
The Huskies matched their skill levels well against Philomath, he said, but Philomath times bursts of speed, like a snake waiting to strike.
“We can play with them and stay with them,” Santana said. “Sooner or later, the speed kicks in. They wait, and the speed bumps pu and that’s when they get you.”
The Huskies were scheduled to face the last of their toughest opponents Tuesday, hosting Stayton.
They’ll host Cascade at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 22 and then travel to Sisters Oct. 24 and Newport Oct. 29.
The Huskies beat Cascade and Newport earlier this year and tied with Sisters.
How the next round of games will go “is tough to say,” Santana said. “We’re hoping to get at least another win. Two wins would be great. If we get the team pretty much together, anything can happen. We’re fighting for it. We are playing better every time.”