Soccer team snaps three-game skid

• Alex Schnobrich (7) avoids a River Falls’ defender

Sophomore forward Alex Schnobrich (7) avoids a River Falls’ defender in the first half of the Raider soccer team’s 3-2 victory over the Wildcats last Thursday at the middle school field. Photo by Bob Burrows

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The Raider boys’ soccer team broke a three-game scoring drought with a 3-2 Big Rivers Conference victory over River Falls last Thursday, Sept. 1 at the middle school field.

Two days earlier the Raiders had dropped their third straight decision, 4-0, at Menomonie.

The Raiders pressured River Falls early in their Thursday night contest and got on the board first when captain Rocky Harmon drilled a powerful shot off the crossbar that was calmly tucked into the net by Alex Schnobrich just over four minutes into the game.

Harmon added a pair of second half goals to seal the Raiders’ 3-2 victory.

“Rocky Harmon played a spectacular game,” head coach Chuck Bublitz said.

Harmon wasn’t the only Raider who played well, according to Bublitz. Man of the Match Micah Pederson was a presence at both ends of the field while Henry Brose was a key to the Raiders’ pressure up front.

“Micah Pederson really set the tone early with his work on offense and defense, forcing key turnovers and setting the tone for the rest of our team,” the coach said. “The key to the game was the pressure placed on RF by our front line. Henry Brose was relentless up top, harassing defenders and midfielders all night.”

Last Tuesday at Menomonie, the Raiders gave up an early goal on a free kick before settling down and controlling the next 60 minutes.

“We had a number of good opportunities to tie the game at 1-1 but were unable to capitalize,” Bublitz said. “We continued to push forward, looking for the equalizer, and exposed ourselves to counter-attacks which Menomonie converted very well.”

Seth Blum earned the Raiders’ Man of the Match award for his strong effort against Menomonie’s counter attacks, Blum said.

After traveling to Rice Lake this past Tuesday, the Raiders, now 3-3-0 overall, 1-2-0 in the BRC, return home to host Eau Claire North (2-3-2), 1-1-1) Thursday, Sept. 8, at 7 p.m.

This weekend the team will compete in the Stillwater Quad.

Tags: sports, soccer, raiders, prep