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Chisago Boys Soccer vs Forest Lake, was a David vs Goliath match up, only this time “David” lost 1-6. “We don’t have enough experience against Forest Lake level of competition. They were strong on the ball and very fast, with their decisions and ball movement,” said coach Mark Leigh. Forest Lake scored two quick goals in the first few minutes.

Brady Huber tallied for Chisago to make the game 2-1 with only 5 minutes elapsed. “We had several other good chances-a shot hitting the cross bar by Steve Taylor and several other chances, but no more goals,” Leigh commented. He added, “Forest Lake was too strong and fast as a team and we just weren’t able to hold them at bay defensively.”

In the game against River Falls, Sept. 23, Chisago Lakes won 2-1. Leigh said, “We avenged our earlier loss. We played very well in controlling the game. Tom Eret scored both goals, the first at 23 minutes. The assist was from a long kick from goalie Jake Peterson. We played very well and dominated possession but did not put River Falls away.”

“We should have scored several more goals and given the reserves a chance to play. River Falls took advantage of that to score in the middle of the second half to tie the score. Their goal seemed to instill some life in us and we worked hard with Eret scoring on a header from a Maher cross.”

Up against North Branch, Chisago Lakes won 5-1, Sept. 25. Tom Eret again led the attack with two goals. Maher, Christian Swanberg and Karl Jung scored a goal each. Assists went to Brady Huber, Steve Taylor, Chris Golv and Joe Irons. Leigh noted, “The talented D.J. Paulson scored for North Branch. We played well enough to dominate, but are not playing “crisply” and error free. We miss too many good chances for goals. It is a weakness that has cost us some games.”

Chisago Lakes at Washburn Sept. 27, lost 1-2. “Our weakness came out to haunt us. We misplayed or poorly executed on 20 offensive chances for goals. Players heading the ball over the net on wide open chances. Poor quality shots. Bad passes when a good pass would mean a goal. The poor execution culminated in a wide open cross left by Chris Golv and Karl Jung to run by the open goal. They both hesitated thinking the other would play the ball, neither did. Missed opportunities like this have hurt us all year,” Leigh said.

Washburn had some very skilled immigrant players who scored 2 early second half goals. “We kept working and scored on a penalty kick by Blane Maher with 15 minutes to play. Several other opportunities didn’t find the back of the net. Our record now stands at 10-6.”

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