Benny Westcott
The Sweet Home boys soccer team fell to 0-3-1 on the season with a 2-0 loss to Siuslaw/Mapleton at home on Thursday, Sept. 14.
“We did a much better job defensively the first half and improved with our communication and shape, which were big points of emphasis from the previous match,” Head Coach Eric Stutzer said. “However, we struggled to win 50/50 balls and possess in space. We were tied 0-0 at halftime, but really struggled to implement halftime adjustments. This led to some strong pressure on our back line and we conceded space in the defensive third, which led to giving up a goal about 53 minutes in.”
The coach said that “After that, we played on our heels and couldn’t maintain shape in the midfield third. We had some good opportunities when we were able to get up the field, but couldn’t capitalize. The pressure on our back line and inability to adjust in the midfield led to another goal about 70 minutes in, which put the game out of reach.”
Stutzer said that “Moving forward, we will continue to work on finishing in the attacking third and shift our focus to creating awareness and shape in the midfield, especially in transition.”
This week the Huskies play at Stayton (3-1, No. 6) at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 21.