The Mitchell High School boys soccer team couldn’t slow down Sioux Falls Chrisitan’s offensive attack on Tuesday. It resulted in a 10-2 win for the Class A Chargers over the Kernels.
"The Chargers consistently have a strong team, and we knew (Tuesday) was going to be a real challenge,” MHS coach Ken Novak said. “I was proud of how we played, especially moving the ball on counter attacks."
Despite the final score, the Kernels led the game early. It scored the first goal, and then went back on top 2-1 when Sioux Falls Christian tied it up. Skylar Kurtenbach and Jamison Wear each netted a goal for Mitchell, which had five shots in the loss. Elijah Novak, Austin Hohn and Easton Neuendorf each had a shot, as well.
"We needed those goals. It lifted the team,” Novak said. “When you are competing with one of the best teams in the state, you start to feel the truth behind our mission: We compete to win. That was a boost to our pride we needed, even if the scorecard came out in the end differently."
Novak praised Wear’s ability to take on the Chargers’ aggressive forwards and midfielders, along with Novak winning challenges and keeping counter attacks alive.
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In goal, Logan Oehlerking recorded 25 saves, though Sioux Falls scored nine unanswered goals to end the match.
"One of the best things about this 2020 team is their desire to compete,” Novak said. “We will continue to hone the technical and tactical skills as they move forward in their high school soccer careers, but that raw competitive energy makes any coach excited and proud."
Mitchell (1-5) hosts Watertown at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 10 at Joe Quintal Field.
