The Minnewaska Area boys soccer team had a loss and tie last week during two home games.  The Lakers fell to a strong St. Cloud Cathedral team at home last Tuesday, 3-0, and Minnewaska also played to a 1-1 tie with Little Falls/LPGE in a home game, Thursday.

The Lakers are now 2-1-2 overall this season, which includes a 0-1-1 mark in the Granite Ridge Conference.

Waska was also set to play at Pelican Rapids, Saturday, but results of that competition will be highlighted later.  This week, the Lakers are set to compete at Melrose Area, Tuesday (tomorrow) before playing at Prinsburg CMCS, Thursday.

SC Cathedral 3, Waska 0

The Minnewaska Lakers hosted St. Cloud Cathedral, Tuesday night, giving up two first-half goals on the way to a 3-0 loss.

While it seemed the Lakers were excited and “up for” the game, their play in the first five minutes didn’t show it, conceding two goals to Cathedral in the first five minutes of play.

SCC would also go on to score the only goal of the second half to complete the 3-0 shutout.

“It was a frustrating game. Cathedral always has talented players; unfortunately, we didn’t play to the best of our abilities. We were sloppy in possession, and our ideas were questionable. It was just one of those nights when it’s ‘not your night,’” coach Vinje said.

Waska 1, LF-LPGE 1

The Minnewaska Lakers boys soccer team hosted the Little Falls Flyers, Thursday, playing to a 1-1 tie.

The Lakers started the game well, controlling possession and applying good pressure to the Flyers’ attacking third. Minnewaska attackers Jose Contreras Mondragon, Connor Quelle, Blake Nelson, Jackson Holmes and Ryan Greseth did an excellent job of applying pressure, executing the game plan and stringing multiple passes together while attempting to create scoring opportunities. 

As often happens in soccer, the Lakers conceded a goal ‘against the run of play.’ Adrian Ambriz was the scorer for LF/LPGE, tapping in from close range in the seventh minute with the Flyers first attempt on goal. The Lakers continued to apply good pressure to the Flyers throughout the first half but ended the half down 1-0.

“At halftime, we talked about calming down before the ‘final ball.’ We did great things in the first half but lacked composure when delivering the pass or shot that would result in an assist or goal,” coach Vinje emphasized.  “We didn’t make any halftime adjustments. It’s a really cruel sport sometimes. You can control the game for extended periods of time yet still be behind.”

The Flyers found some rhythm to begin the second half, but the Lakers continued to pressure the Flyers’ goal, creating multiple corner kick opportunities.

“Defenders Ethan Curry, Connor Erickson and Lane Curry did an excellent job of continuing to dominate on defense, stifling the few attacking opportunities they had,” coach Vinje said. 

Eventually, the pressure paid off in the 58th minute as the ball rebounded to Connor Quelle from a corner kick, who passed the ball to Ryan Greseth.  Greseth rifled the ball through a crowd of players and past the goalkeeper, leveling the game at 1-1. 

Momentum and adrenaline were high for the Lakers as they continued to apply pressure in Little Falls’ half.   Still, it was evident that both teams were tired and the last 10 minutes were scoreless to end the game in a 1-1 tie.

“Defensive midfielders Thomas Poegel and Lucas Curry put in ‘Man of the Match’ performances, both winning challenges and connecting passes that continued to drive the team forward,” Vinje said.