Wildcat Soccer Go 1-1, Eyes on Ottawa

The Louisburg Wildcats boys soccer team began the week at 4-1-1, then had an up and down week versus Baldwin and Sumner Academy.

The Wildcats got a great start to their week with a 4-0 win against Baldwin. The Louisburg Wildcats take on a tough opponent in Sumner Academy and unfortunately take a 4-1 loss at home.

Many players played well throughout last week, but a few stood out. Senior goalkeeper Fritz Meyer had a huge game last Thursday with twelve saves. Sophomore Xaiden Stammer, playing in his first varsity game, played well despite the team’s loss. 

“I think there were a few players who stepped up last week, starting with [Stammer]. We moved him into the varsity squad and he played really well. Fritz also had a huge game one Thursday with 12 saves which really kept us in the game” said head coach Dawson Schoning.

With going 1-1 last week the Wildcats look to continue to improve their skills with the focus on Chanute and Ottawa. And despite their flaws the Wildcats played extremely well throughout the week. 

“We are looking to improve on defending set pieces,” Schoning said. “This is something we are continuing to struggle with and it was the focus on Monday and Wednesday.”

“Something we did well last week was how we moved the ball and tried to keep possession,” said Schoning. “Our backline also does a great job about winning balls out of the air which is really huge for us. As of last week I think the whole team played really well and I think that showed with a big 4-0 win against Baldwin and how we played against a very good Sumner team.”

The Wildcats have been focused on preparation for this week’s games against Chanute on September 29th and Ottawa at home October second. Both Chanute and Ottawa are tough teams that will challenge the Wildcats throughout the week.

“We have been really focusing a lot of our energy this week to working on ourselves more than anything else,” said Schoning. “We still struggle with a few things in some key areas so working through those things will help us be successful this week. Chanute has a really strong attacker and a strong goalie. Their attacker I think has almost 20 goals already on the year and a lot of their play goes through him.

“As for Ottawa they are big, fast, physical, and have a lot of talent. They are going to be a big test for us and a big game for the league,” said Schoning.

The Wildcats came away with a win against Chanute 3-2, and look to add to the win column against Ottawa on Friday at home.  

– Payton Crooks