The boys soccer team split a pair of matches last week, losing at Little Falls-LPGE last Tuesday night, 3-0, but coming back to beat Melrose Area at home, Thursday, 2-0.  It’s been a back-and-forth season for the Lakers this fall as Minnewaska Area is 4-4-4 overall and 1-4-2 in the conference heading into its final three regular-season games.

The Lakers were set to play a non-conference game at Rocori, Monday (today), before hosting Prinsburg CMCS, Tuesday (tomorrow) and playing at St. John’s Prep, Thursday, Oct. 5.

The start of the Section 8A playoffs begin Tuesday, Oct. 10 with preliminary-round play.  The Lakers still have a shot to host a quarterfinal game, Thursday, Oct. 12.

LF-LPGE 3, Minnewaska 0

The Minnewaska Lakers soccer team traveled to Little Falls to take on LF-LPGE last Tuesday night.

It was a difficult evening for the Lakers, as they saw their attacking chances go wide and scoring opportunities unsuccessful.  “We had quality opportunities in the first half to score, but we lacked that bit of desire to put ourselves in positions that would get the ball across the line,” coach David Vinje said.

Little Falls broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute to give itself a 1-0 lead.  “You could see the ‘wind come out of the sails’ when we went down 1-0. Fortunately, the half ended 1-0 for the Flyers, as it could have been more.”

Goalkeeper Tenzin Dahl had an excellent game, according to coach Vinje, despite being put in positions of disadvantage. Dahl made 16 saves on the night.  

“We emphasized the importance of winning challenges and showing a desire and willingness to sprint after the ball. It was obvious that we were tired, leggy, and ‘out of sync’ on the night,” Vinje said.  “When defending, we uncharacteristically stabbed at the ball, allowing Flyer players to dribble past us. It’s a tough night when that trend takes hold.”

The Flyers scored right out of the second-half gate, scoring in the first minute of the second half to go up 2-0. Ten minutes later, they scored the final goal of the game, which gave the Flyers the 3-0 win.

“Despite the result, I want to congratulate freshmen Marshall Nichtern and Cale Johnsrud on making their Varsity debuts!”

Minnewaska 2, Melrose 0

The Minnewaska Lakers hosted the Melrose Dutchmen on a blustery Thursday evening, earning a 2-0 victory.  “Before the game, we emphasized the importance of winning the 50-50 battles.” 

The Lakers began the game with high intensity and,with the wind at their backs, the pressure paid off on a corner kick when senior Connor Quelle crossed the ball into the 6-yard box, where, amongst the traffic, Ryan Greseth was able to tap in to give the Lakers a 1-0 lead.  “We know we can be dangerous from corners and set-pieces. It’s just a matter of having the desire and aggression to put a head or a foot on the ball.”

The pressure continued in favor of the Lakers, but they couldn’t take advantage of the wind at their back. The first half ended 1-0 to the Lakers.  “We talked at halftime about not getting beat over the top. We would be playing directly into a strong wind and the second half would be ‘won with our brains and our effort.’”

The Lakers emerged from the half strong, playing on-the-ground and thoughtful soccer. Shifting as a team while applying significant pressure to the Dutchmen, Melrose struggled to find a rhythm and didn’t create much danger for goalkeeper Tenzin Dahl, who only had to make five saves on the night.

“We defended extremely well as a team. When we shift, apply pressure, and attack in the way we are asked to, we are tough to play against.”

Thirteen minutes into the second half, the Lakers’ pressure paid off as they won a corner kick. Directly from sophomore Ryan Greseth’s kick, senior Blake Nelson knocked the ball down to freshman Carter LeClair, who smashed in from close range for his first varsity goal to give the Lakers a 2-0 lead.

From that point forward, the Lakers controlled the midfield and applied forward pressure by continuing to dominate the 50-50 battles. The game concluded with the Lakers winning 117 to Melrose’s 49 on 50-50 battles.

“It was apparent the players (defenders, midfielders, and forwards) went into their challenges more aggressively, actively wanting to be the player to come away with possession. That showed in the 50-50 totals tonight.  It was a good match,” coach Vinje said.

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