Three sophomores stepped up and did a great job on defense for David Graham’s Austin boys soccer team, leading the way to a 2-1 win over John Marshall at Wescott Field.

Wednesday, September 22, 1999

Three sophomores stepped up and did a great job on defense for David Graham’s Austin boys soccer team, leading the way to a 2-1 win over John Marshall at Wescott Field.

The Packers were without the services of defender Drew Oesterle who had to sit out a game after picking up a red card against Albert Lea last Thursday. Graham moved Scott Wheeler from midfield back to defense. Wheeler’s classmate Jacques Leger was there to help him out and they both did a great job of helping Shane Peterson defend the Packers’ goal.

"We held on for the win after going up 2-0," Graham said. "The team was inspired by the play of the three sophomores."

Austin took the two-goal lead with goals from Jesse Morgan and Erin Heimer. Morgan scored 15 minutes into the contest with and assist from Chris Lynch. Early on in the second half Heimer made it 2-nil banging home a penalty kick.

With five minutes left in the game, JM got on the scoreboard converting on a penalty kick of their own.

"It was an intense battle to hold on to the lead in the final minutes," Graham said. "JM is a good squad and they outshot us by about 3-to-1 but we held on and kept on fighting. We worked hard for the win. We have a really young scrappy team."

Austin (2-5-1, 2-5) hosts Northfield on Thursday.

JM defeats Austin girls, 1-0

Austin faced a big challenge traveling to Rochester without star midfielder Sarah Huffer.

Huffer broke her collarbone last week in a physical game against Albert Lea. The Packers stood strong but a Rockets’ goal with less then 20 minutes remaining stood up for the win.

"They are a challenge," Austin assistant coach Dale Sisson said about the Rockets. "The defense played tough. We are now readjusting and revamping the line up without Huffer.

Austin (4-3-1, 3-3-1) travels to Northfield on Thursday.