Millbrook boys soccer
Wildcats, Wolverines
face quick turnaround
Two of the state's best soccer teams, Millbrook and Wakefield, square off Wednesday afternoon with more than bragging rights on the line.
After both squads dropped their respective Cap-7 Conference openers Tuesday — Millbrook falling to Broughton 2-0; Wakefield downed by Sanderson 3-1 — Wednesday's loser falls unceremoniously to 0-2 in league play.
It is a true testament to just how strenuous the league schedule is.
"Well, we're playing another Top 10 team in the state today. I think somedays I would prefer to be in another conference," Edwards joked. "But I like playing good teams. When you are playing Wakefield, Sanderson, Leesville, Broughton, teams like that, you will have to do more than just show up. You have to play well."
While both Wakefield coach Scott Sloan and Millbrook coach Matt Edwards embraced the quick turnaround, the programs look to overcome their struggles from the previous night.
The Wildcats failed to create offensive opportunities against Broughton, according to Edwards, while the Wolverines had few problems getting close to the goal, it was their inability to convert which hurt.
"It's a kind good thing we don't have time to think about Sanderson," Sloan said, following the loss. "It's a plus to get right back on the field. Of course, on the other side of that, I'd like to have a practice to fix what we did wrong, too."
(For a game story on Wakefield's match with Sanderson, see Spartans continue soccer success.)
Although the Wildcats and Wolverines lost by two goals apiece, their contests were most much competitive than the score would lead you to believe. In fact, the Capitals tacked on their last goal with less than a minute remaining.
The good news for the Wildcats: they are more healthy than they have been in weeks.
Sophomore Alex Oloffson, expected to be a key contributor, played well against Broughton, and Edwards expects him to make greater strides Wednesday.
Millbrook has also received outstanding play across the board this season, especially from seniors Connor Karr and Brad Newman.
Formerly a back-up goalie, Newman has shined playing defender, Edwards said.
"He hasn't played much in the field since freshman year, but he has several goals, some assists, and he's really been a bright spot."
Although his squad's schedule is unquestionably challenging — at road game at Sanderson awaits next week — Edwards enjoys the competition on the field.
"If we want to get far into the playoffs, we are going to have to be more than just competitive with these teams," he said. "We have to find ways to beat them as well."
The Millbrook/Wakefield game start at 6:30 p.m. at Millbrook. Visit tomorrow for a full game story.
