The Sweet Home’s boys soccer team (1-1-1) delivered a commanding 5-0 victory over Kennedy (0-4) on Sept. 19, marking their second consecutive win while maintaining a clean sheet. The team’s performance displayed marked improvements in both offensive and defensive play, a key focus for the week according to head coach Eric Stutzer.
“We exceeded our goals for the week. Defensive play was much better and we were able to keep a clean sheet,” Stutzer said. “We also were able to apprehend a sense of urgency and play with pace. This allowed us to maintain momentum and stay focused, which had been a struggle in previous matches.”
Jack Simmons led the offensive charge, continuing his scoring streak with two goals, bringing his total to three in the last two games. Felix Lopez also contributed significantly from the midfield, adding two goals to the tally. Elisha Scofield rounded out the scoring with the fifth goal, also coming from a well-executed midfield play.
“I am very excited about the level of team play,” Stutzer said. “We have multiple players contributing on offense, which makes it difficult for teams to put their focus on a single goal scorer.”
Stutzer also praised Ivan Ogden’s performance in the midfield, noting his role in setting up many of the team’s attacking opportunities.
“Ivan Ogden played exceptionally well out of the midfield and set up many of our opportunities on the offensive end, which kept us in the attacking third,” he added.
Sweet Home’s depth was also on display, with junior varsity players stepping up during the match without a drop in intensity or quality of play.
“I am also extremely pleased with our JV subs,” Stutzer said. “We didn’t lose any momentum or level of play when they went into the match. They carried that momentum into Friday’s JV game against Creswell and were able to get a 3-0 win on the road.”
With the win, Sweet Home is entering league play this next week with confidence, but Stutzer emphasized the need for continued improvement as they prepare to face tougher competition.
“We are in a good spot entering league play next week, but our level of play will have to improve even more as we face some of the best teams in the state,” he said.
The team will be playing their first league game on the road versus Philomath (2-2) on Sept. 26.
