Sweet Home’s boys defeated Creswell 4-3 in boys soccer on the road Sept. 2 in their season opener.
The Huskies opened with Creswell last season and lost 3-0 in what was a relatively tight game. Creswell had only two other games that close before playoffs last year, including a tie against Cottage Grove.
Creswell is a tough team, Coach Eric Stutzer said. “We came out. We were neck and neck for a long time.”
This time, deep into the game, Egan Shamek put the ball into the net, but Creswell quickly fired back to tie the game 1-1.
“We had the momentum, and they scored,” said team captain Nick Rodgers. Then Shamek scored again. “You could see the team lift and build momentum.”
This was a game where they had just two subs, with Rodgers sidelined with an injury.
Conditioning was key to their success that day, Rodgers said. The team is much better conditioned this year.
Stutzer said conditioning was a problem last year against Creswell.
The Huskies reached halftime with a 2-1 lead. Ramon Fry scored a third goal to extend the lead to 3-1.
That demoralized the team, Stutzer said. “I’ve got to really give credit to Nick Rodgers, a lot of his effort on the sidelines just to give the kids a belief they could win.”
Alsonso Perez scored the Huskies’ fourth goal on a direct kick. While Sweet Home disputed the placement of the defenders, the ref whistled the ball into play. Creswell was a bit confused and out of position at that point, but Perez sent it over their heads. It hit the top bar and bounced into the net.
“It was one of the best shots I’ve seen in high school,” Stutzer said.
Leading 4-2 with 10 minutes left, Creswell found the net again, Stutzer said. “We thought we had this wrapped up, but there was no give up in them (Creswell).” They came out, and they were ready to play. They really tested our defense.”
Creswell already played a game this year too, he said.
They stayed that way, while the Huskies were finally getting tired and started collapsing a little at the end, Stutzer said. Strong efforts from the players in the back held the game for the Huskies.
“I”m extremely proud of them,” Stutzer said. “This is what we’ve talked about. It definitely was a stong opening performance on all their parts.”
Creswell shot the ball 22 times, Stutzer said. Rowland Lupoli collected 11 saves in his first game as keeper.
The Huskies shot the ball 10 times and scored four of them.
The Junior varsity trailed 1-0 at halftime against Creswell and lost the game 4-1, with Jacob Erickson scoring. Stutzer said Noah Webb had a phenomenal game.
Going forward, Rodgers will stay on the sidelines until an injury heals. The Huskies were scheduled to travel to Pleasant Hill on Tuesday, and they’ll host Valley Catholic at 4:30 p.m. on Friday.