By Becky Walz,
It was a total team effort given by the Decorah boys’ soccer team (8-3) as they played a trio of games at Waverly-Shell Rock Saturday with the Vikes going 2-1.
“We played well the whole day and are really happy with the guys’ effort. We tried to get a bunch of guys some time, and make this day about a total team effort. With another four games in the next eight days, we’ll learn from it what we can and keep plugging away at the regular season games,” said Coach Julie Simiele.
It was a total team effort given by the Decorah boys’ soccer team (8-3) as they played a trio of games at Waverly-Shell Rock Saturday with the Vikes going 2-1.
“We played well the whole day and are really happy with the guys’ effort. We tried to get a bunch of guys some time, and make this day about a total team effort. With another four games in the next eight days, we’ll learn from it what we can and keep plugging away at the regular season games,” said Coach Julie Simiele.
The Red and Blue were able to knock back a few goals early to get guys off the bench some big minutes in game one with South Tama. Adrian Huang hammered home the first goal off a Jimmy Valdez assist. It was then Valdez’s turn to score after getting the ball from senior Ryan Johanningmeier, who scored the third and final goal of the game. Assisting Johanningmeier was Jake Magner. Standing in goal for the shutout was sophomore Caleb Meyer.
“We leaned on our starters a little bit more in game two, but it was a total team effort,” said Coach Simiele about the Vikes 3-1 win over Columbus Catholic.
Valdez found Johanningmeier twice for the first two goals of the game before Drew Berns found the back of the net for the final tally. Goal keeper was Brayden Reiser.
In game three, Decorah tied Webster City 1-1, before losing in penalty kicks 1-2. The Vikings set the tone and dominated the pace of the game when Johanningmeier scored, assisted by Larsson Shockey. Webster City was able to squeak one in early in the second half. Despite outshooting Webster 9-5, the Vikes were unable to find the back of the net in the second half. Senior Trysten Finholt found the back of the net for Decorah’s lone PK. In the goal, Reiser and Meyer split time with Reiser making two saves in the shootout.
“We were proud of how our guys played, and their attitudes the whole game. Our motto has always been good people first, and good players second and that showed today, from our players, to our fans to our coaching staff. I think we just got tired at the end of the day, we were in our third game of the day while they were in their second,” said Coach Simiele. “And though the guys were willing, their legs were Jell-o. We put up a good fight and put on a good show all day long.”
“When it comes down to a shootout, you hope that your guys make theirs and that your keeper can make a save. Our keeper made two saves and we were thrilled about that! But their keeper made four and unfortunately that was the end of the story.”
Johanningmeier and Berns were named to the all-tournament team, while Huang and Magner were second team. Collecting honorable mention were Shockey, Brody Young and Valdez.
Busy week ahead
Decorah was at Clayton Ridge Monday then heads to West Delaware Thursday, May 12, for a 6 p.m. game. The week will conclude at Dubuque Hempstead Saturday, May 14, at 10 a.m.
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