Washburn Rural at STA

Game 2: Washburn Rural at STA (2-1 2 OT's)

Wow. We needed that.  Rural jumped off to a 1-0 lead on a long deadball, and it looked as if they were going to make it stand, despite how well we were playing, especially in the second half.

But with less than 4 to go, we matched them with a nice direct kick that Stoecklein drove to the back side for a Sam Sketers game-tying head-in. That got us to overtime.

Rural was just all over us in the first overtime, living in their end. With countless long throw-ins, corners, it seems amazing that we made it out of that OT and into the second.

But we did, and we just got a great finish early in the second overtime as Ricardo delivered one for his new baby sister off a great threaded ball from Gabriel.

Rural will win lots of matches this year as they are just not going to give up many goals. I thought their keeper was special, and with that defense, well most teams are not going to cash many against them.

For us, it was just good to see us play some good soccer. We moved the ball well; we created some opportunities, and that is all we can ask for.  Honestly, the game was going to be a positive even if we lost 1-0. But we did not.

BWhite did name Parker Stoecklein as the BWhite Player of the Match, and my oh my was he good in the middle of the field.  And how about that game-tying deadball to Sketers?  Just a special match for the freshman.

But B had all kinds of choices for that award as we got great play tonight from so many. Hopefully, we build on this as we get ready for a very good BV Northwest team.

Rural will be in the 6A state final four. They are quite good! And look at our last few games with them; well most all of our games with them—a goal here or a goal there. We got them 1-0 last year up there with Jay Johnson nabbing a golden goal 2 years ago here. 

STATS:

First Half

Saints: Shots: 7 (2) Corners: 4 (Sketers, Diggs, Wirt and Whigham)

Blues: Shots: 5 (2) Corners:4

27:00 Giddens (Blues loft the long direct kick to the back post where it bounces and is finished off the half-volley)
2nd Half and OT:

Saints: Shots: 16 (8) Corners: 5 (Whigham 4, Wherry) 

3:42 Sketers (Stoecklein drives the ball to the back post for the head-in)
8:52 2OT Gonzalez (Gabriel slides it in front)

Blues: Shots: 2 (1) Corners: 3

Saints, down 1-0, with less than 4 to go, noticed the "rally mantis" made an appearance on the bench!