The Bluejay soccer team played under the lights at D.C. Everest last Tuesday, but they were hardly in awe of the more-experienced Evergreens.
The two squads slugged it out for the entire 80 minute game with neither giving ground or goals.
But eight minutes into overtime, Everest’s Zach Pagel converted a Zach Pupp pass into the game-winner.
“The boys played the best game of the season so far, against DC Everest,” MHS coach Chris Behrens said. “Many players had a great game. Kriss Philip and David Pophal played very well. Nathan Beyer had an outstanding performance as well.
“Our team left the game with a loss, but many of us came away with a mental win. It was one of the most exciting games I have ever been a part of.”
The Evergreens putt 11 shots on goal compared to Merrill’s 5. Goalkeeper Beyer made all 10 stops for the Bluejays, while Nate Kitchell stopped all five.
Tiger bite
The Bluejays hung within a goal of Marshfield in Thursday’s home game, allowing just a Chris Pahl score in the 24th minute.
But the Tigers gave themselves a cushion, nudging ahead 2-0 in the second minute of the second half, and made it to the 3-0 final with less than a minute left in the game.
“We struggled at the very start of this game,” Behrens said. “It was difficult to follow such a great game on (August) 28th.
“We lost the game in the midfield. We were not able to possess the ball, nor defend against their midfield attack. We will be working very had after this game in practices, to prepare for the weeks ahead. One of the best advantages to having a small conference, is that we get to play each team twice. We will be ready for our rematch against Marshfield.”
The Tigers held a 12-5 advantage in shots on goal. Beyer made the stops for Merrill and Neil Dums was in goal for Marshfield.