Sweet Home’s boys secured their first victory of the season Thursday, Sept. 18, downing Kennedy 2-1.
“We got the win, but it wasn’t pretty,” Coach Eric Stutzer said. “Touch and time of possession were huge issues throughout the game. This led to a lot of booting the ball and some swings and misses. One of those misses on defense cost us a penalty kick when the miss took out one of their players in the box.”
However, he added, despite the boot balls and “whiffing,” the Huskies were able to get into the attacking third and capitalize on opportunities.
Keeghan Gittins was able to even the score with the hosts late in the first half off a volley.
Then, late in the second half, consistent pressure from Sweet Home forced Kennedy to give up a penalty kick of its own and Felix Lopez delivered a strike to the back of the net to put the Huskies ahead.
“Kyle Petrait and Kace Stevens played particularly well on defense,” Stutzer said. “(Sophomore goalie) Ben Ramsey made some great saves, including an exceptional one off a deflection going to the top corner.
“We really got to see some of the athleticism he brings to the keeper position this year.
“It was a win, but it was an ugly win. We definitely have some things we need to address as we move into league play this week.”
The Huskies traveled to Junction City Tuesday (0-5 going into this week) before hosting sixth-ranked Philomath, which was 4-0, including a 5-0 preseason win at Junction City, at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25.