Sweet Home’s boys soccer team picked up its second win in a row last week with a 1-0 victory on the road at Junction City Tuesday, Sept. 23.
Back home on Thursday, Sept. 25, the Huskies got a gut check, facing No. 3-ranked Philomath, which brought size, speed and experience that made life difficult for the Huskies, who lost 8-1, though most of those scores came in the first half and at the end of the game.
“Two road wins in a row is a great accomplishment for our kids,” Coach Eric Stutzer said. “The Junction City game was tight right down to the final minutes and proves we can compete when we play within our demographic. We still struggled with touch and time of possession, but we were able to eliminate the boot ball and miscues that plagued us during our previous match.”
An offensive push gave sophomore Felix Lopez a chance to put the ball in the back of the net early in the second half, and then Sweet Home buckled down to hold the lead.
“Our defensive core played their hearts out and walked off with a clean sheet,” Stutzer said, crediting sophomore goalie Ben Ramsey with “some excellent play,” making “some “This was largely due to some excellent play from our goal keeper Ben Ramsey, who, the coach said, “made some great saves late in the second half with the sun in his eyes.. His athleticism continues to impress.”
Against Philomath on Thursday, Sweet Home gave up an early goal, followed by an own goal, which gave the visitors an early lead.
“We really struggled to pressure the ball early in the game, which led to a number of strong attempts on goal,” Stutzer said.
Keeghan Gittins was able to score a goal late in the first half to bring the score to 5-1 at half time.
“We came out in the second half and played extremely well until about 15 min left in the game when we lost our center back due to injury,” Stutzer said. “Our lack of depth produced an imbalance that cost us some goals late during that last 10 minutes.
He said the Huskies improved in their pace of play and time on the ball, as well as pass strings and creating offensive opportunities.
“We just need to work on miscues and increase our intensity when contesting balls in the midfield, especially early in games,” Stutzer said. “The kids gave 100% against a more experienced and athletic team, while demonstrating some marked improvement in what have been consistent areas of deficit.
“If we can carry that improvement into the next few weeks, we may be able to rattle a team and sneak in a win.”
This week Sweet Home was to face ninth-ranked Newport on the road Tuesday, Sept 30, before hosting 10-ranked North Marion on Thursday at 6 p.m.
The Huskies host Stayton on Oct. 7.
