Focusing on the ‘W’ – Packers move on to Section 1A semis with win over Red Wing
Published 9:39 pm Thursday, October 12, 2017
- Austin’s Dylan Hanegraaf moves the ball cross-field against Red Wing in the Section 1A quarterfinals Thursday night at Art Hass Stadium. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
The Austin boys soccer team didn’t lose its cool in a game that saw a lot of contact and a lot of defense. Instead, the Packers stayed focused and relentlessly attacked until they broke things open in a 8-1 win over No. 9 seeded Red Wing in the Section 1A quarterfinals in Art Hass Stadium Thursday.
The Packers (15-0-2 overall) hammered out 27 shots and they built up a 3-0 lead at halftime as Monday Wah, Lonyjera Okal and Henry Tolbert all scored in the first frame.
Austin’s Ojulu Cham goes up for a header in front of the net over Red Wing’s Ethan Simonson, left, and Thomas Lidahl, right during the first half in the Section 1A quarterfinals Thursday night at Art Hass Stadium. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
The Wingers (3-13-1 overall) packed in their defense, but it didn’t frustrate senior midfielder OJ Cham and the Packers.
“That’s been the drill with every team that we’ve played,” Cham said. “They know we’re a scoring team so they try to park the bus. We just have to stay patient and keep passing until we get something in.”
Austin head coach Jens Levisen was happy that his team didn’t force the issue as the Packers stayed patient in their attack.
Austin’s Mooday Wah tries to come off the edge under pressure from Red Wing’s Ethan Kaiser during the first half in the Section 1A quarterfinals Thursday night at Art Hass Stadium. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
“With them packing it in tight with the defense, we had to move the ball around and not stress it or force it,” Levisen said. “We had a number of guys get fouled too and the ref maintained control with a number of cards. The guys battled back with quick passes and no retaliation. They kept focus.”
Austin completely broke the game open in the last 15 minutes as sophomore Julio Hernandez scored his first and second career varsity goals, and Elisha Simerson, a sophomore, and Juan Vera, a junior, scored their first career varsity goals.
Austin’s Caleb Simerson switches track against Red Wing’s Owen Schauss during the first half in the Section 1A quarterfinals Thursday night at Art Hass Stadium. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Sophomore Dylan Hanegraaf also scored for Austin.
Josh Brehmer had four saves for the Packers and his shutout was broken up when Ethan Kaiser scored for the Wingers with 44 seconds left in the game.
Austin senior defenseman Eli Hirst was glad to see the underclassmen get in on the scoring and he said this year has been a blast for the Packers, who will host Byron in a Section 1A semifinal game in Art Hass Stadium Saturday at 7 p.m. That game could be moved to the afternoon if weather becomes a factor.
“It’s awesome,” Hirst said. “Our team’s working together so well and we know how to work together and stay focused. It was awesome seeing those underclassmen come in and score at the end.”
Austin beat Byron 6-1 on Sept. 19 and the Packers are hoping to win that contest and move on to the Section 1A title game for the third straight year.
Kevin Ortiz uncorks a direct kick against Red Wing in the first half in the Section 1A quarterfinals Thursday night at Art Hass Stadium. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Cham said he likes how the team has played together.
“The chemistry is so strong,” Cham said. “We all love each other on this team and we’re like a family.”