The Sweet Home boys’ soccer team concluded a challenging week of play with three losses, underscored by injuries and illness that sidelined key players and impacted game outcomes.
Sweet Home took on North Marion (12-1), ranked second in the division, on Oct. 22 and demonstrated notable defensive improvements, holding their opponents to 1-0 by halftime. This was a stark improvement from their prior matchup when North Marion won decisively.
“The kids played with passion and minimized the mistakes that had plagued us in previous matches,” Coach Eric Stutzer said.
A series of injuries around the 20-minute mark of the second half shifted the game’s momentum, with North Marion ultimately securing a 7-0 victory.
These injuries carried into the Huskies Oct. 24 match against top-ranked Stayton (12-0). With four starters on the bench and several others at partial capacity, the team struggled to compete, ultimately losing 9-0.
“With that much experience and skill out of the game, we struggled to compete,” Stutzer said, acknowledging the impact of missing several core players.
A quick turnaround led to the teams last non-league game against East Linn Christian (5-8) on Oct. 26. Despite the early struggles, Sweet Home adjusted after halftime and began generating scoring opportunities in the attacking third. However, they could not convert these chances, ending in a 2-0 defeat. Coach Stutzer highlighted Ivan Ogden’s solid performance and praised Elisha Scofield’s contributions in the midfield, despite Scofield playing through an injury.
As the season nears its end, Stutzer said that overcoming injuries and illness will remain a focus as the team faces Cascade (2-11) away in their last game, Tuesday, Oct. 29.