U-16 boys’ soccer locals start strong

Published 12:00 am Sunday, June 26, 2005

The Albert lea U-16 boys’ soccer teams is off to a strong start in the regular season games showing four wins, a tie and a loss.

The first game of the season was a 3-1 win against Fairmont with goals scored by Jake Thompson, Chris Rahn and Rich Needam. Phil Runden showed amazing ability at the mid position with Clay Casanova strong at defense. Both Casanova and Runden are able to read the field and make quick adjustments.

Win number two came against New Ulm with a 1-0 shutout. The only goal of the night was scored by Needham after a strong cross from Matt Clark. Jake Winkels and the rest of the defense, along with goalie Adam Hutchison, stepped it up to blank New Ulm.

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Game three was in Waseca. The offensive team swept the field with three goals by Rahn, 2 from Needam, and one goal each by Matt Stapelton, Matt Clark, Dustin Wangen and Scott Johnson. Final score was Albert Lea 9, Waseca 1.

The first tie of the season came against Marshall at home. The locals played well, but a couple of defensive mistakes and the home team was down by two at half.

Albert Lea came out of half strong and controlled the game the entire second half. Goals by Rahn and Stephan Bera tied it up and while Albert Lea had plenty of shots and the ball in their own offensive end most of the second half, they just couldn’t notch another goal.

The fourth win of the season occurred in St. Peter. Defenders David Anderson, Bryan Yost and Casanova helped to keep the ball in the forward position. Subbing up from the U- 14 team was Adam Clark who scored two goals.

On the road to Fairmont brought the first regular season defeat. Goals from Matt Clark and Jake Thompson weren’t quite enough to get Albert Lea back in the game as they went down in a 4-2 defeat.

Also in the news for the U-16 boys is a strong third place finish in the Herman Cup at New Ulm.

Members of the U-16 team include Scott Johnson, Adam Hutchison, Matt Clark, Matt Stapelton, Dustin Wangen, Stephan Bera, Richie Needam, Jacob Winkels, Eric Bowron, Jake Thompson, Jim Swenson Chris Rahn, Phil Runden, Brian Staloah, Matt VanFossen, Bryan Yost, David Anderson, and Clay Casanova. Head coach is Jay Hutchison, assistant coach is Dave Van Fossen. Subs from U-14 who are contibuting are Adam Clark and Adam Kermes.