Jared Schmeltzer
Reporter
The Bluejays soccer team seemed to be on track for their first conference win in the past two seasons last week, however they would come up short falling 2-1 to Wausau East. Merrill controlled the pace of play, however a late mistake would cost the Jays last Thursday night, Sept. 26.
“Truthfully, we lost a game that we controlled from start to finish,” said Merrill head coach Will Bialecki. “It should have been a win, and its a disappointing result.”
East struck first, scoring a goal 14:30 into the game. Some good passing on the East side allowed a close shot for Jake Strobel who would find the back of the net. Merrill responded well, taking only eight minutes to score the equalizing goal. A great corner kick from Merrill’s Jared Heller found the head of Geno Zecca, who put the finishing touches on the goal.
Merrill would take control of the flow of the game from that point on, not allowing East much time with the ball. The Jays played stout defense, however their physicality would come back to haunt them, as a penalty in the 68th minute gave East a penalty kick. East’s Jeremiah Schroder would take the shot for the Lumberjacks and he would come through with the game winning goal.
“That’s a game that hurts to lose,” added Bialecki. “It was one we have been waiting for and was going to be a chance for us to earn a better playoff spot. We still have some chances this season to move up in the rankings, but we really have to win the games that we are supposed to win, and now we need to find a way to upset a team or two. We have the ability to do that and we’ll get the chance really soon.”
Merrill totaled seven shots as a team, with one finding the back of the net. Merrill goalie, Wyatt Grosskerth finished the day saving six shots, allowing two shots to reach the goal.
The Jays will look to rebound with a conference match up with Marshfield on Thursday, Oct. 3. The Bluejays will travel to Marshfield with the game starting at 7 p.m.