A Kick in the Grass - U17 Strikers down Moscow

? U12 Strikers Boys Black Team

The U-12 Striker Boys black team (Coach Steve Meyer) came out to play in their season opener April 16 against the Cd’A Sting. As it turns out, this was also the team’s first time this season on real grass — the kind that you mow! The U-12 Black did amazingly well holding a field-tested Sting team to only one goal scored in the first half of play. Excellent goalie work by Austin Keyes and Jeremiah Gagnon was bolstered by an iron curtain defense led by Nathan Schwartz with Kyle Kennick and Dana Prandato on the flanks. The Strikers lost 1-0.

The U-12 Black ventured south on April 19 in an icy wind sweeping across the Rathdrum Prairie where the teams clashed in a very tight match. The Strikers came out with an aggressive offense which scored immediately on a nice cross from Brycen Okon to Dylan Potter, who scored his first Striker goal with a solid connection sending the ball into the net. The next goal was of World Cup caliber — Jeremiah Gagnon lofted a perfectly placed corner kick where Mathew Burgstahler came through with a header into the net. Unfortunately these well earned goals were not enough to hold off a very speedy and large Nitehawk offense. The final score was Nighthawks 3, Sandpoint 2.

In the U-12 Black home opener on April 26, the Strikers came out strong on their home pitch. Led by patient and aggressive keepers Austin Keyes and Jeremiah Gagnon, the Striker Defense had a stiff test against a very capable Moscow United offense. Nathan Schwartz came through again directing his defenders Dana Prandato, Alex Mortensen and Kyle Kennick to nullify any offensive attacks. Paul Meyer had his best game of the season with a very well played mid field position. He created havoc on the United’s lead striker and Meyer also managed a few shots on goal.

The Black team will take on the Nitehawks today in what is to be a grudge match to be remembered.  Game time is 5:30 p.m., at Centennial fields.

? U10 boys Black Team 

The U10 Black had two games last week. In the first game the team traveled to Cd’A to play the Sting. The Strikers lost the match 3-1 but played the Sting team evenly for most of the game. Ben Schwartz scored the loan goal for the Strikers on a beautiful long ball from outside the 18. Roan Allen continued his great play as sweeper keeping the Sting attack at bay for most of the game. Cory Diel was aggressive on the field and made several nice runs deep into the Sting defense. Diel was man of the match. Julian Nizzoli started in goal and posted a shutout for the first half. Bailey Haynie had some nice touches on the ball and distributed his passes well. In the second game, the Strikers traveled to Post Falls to take on the Thunder. The game ended with a 1-1 tie. The Strikers had one of their best tactical games to date with many drops and wall passes. The goal was set up by Jack Rinck and Diel. Rinck laid off a perfect wall pass to Diel who sent a through ball to Patrick Rockwell for the loan goal. Haines Johnson had an excellent game as an outside defender. Johnson pushed up on attack getting into the mix with several shots on goal. Jake Tremble was giving the Thunder’s back line fits with his tricky attacking moves. Allen had an amazing run from sweeper all the way into Thunder’s goal box. He came close to scoring. Allen was man of the match. Lucas Chapman continued to showcase his technical skills with some good ball control and pass distribution.

? U17 Boys Team 

The U17 boys traveled to Moscow to take on the Moscow U17 team. The Strikers came away with a 3-1 victory in a game that saw the Strikers hold a notable advantage in time of possession. The scoring started off with a goal by Spencer Swerin. Jansen Rinck sent a ball over the defense and Swerin easily beat the goalie for the score. The second goal came off a rocket shot by Ben Murray. Murray hit the shot just inside the 18 and it was well placed in the upper left corner of the net. The last goal was scored on a sweet header from Spencer Hanson off a cross sent into the box by Adam Crossingham. Zac Linscott almost scored on a beautiful trap. Linscott chest trapped a ball in the box and sent a volley just over the cross bar. Tanner French and Anders Nostdahl refused to let any organized attack develop. French controlled the air on the back line and Nostdahl seemed to be able to run every ball down with out effort. Robby Carne teamed with French, Nostdahl and Rinck for form a solid back line. Carne had a keen eye for the open player sent a few long switches across the pitch. Keeper Shawn Carlson had a great game and the lone goal was scored on a controversial call where Carlson was hit before he had a chance to grab a high ball in the box. Brenan and Clayton Weme both had excellent games as outside mids. In classic Weme style they played a smart and physical game. Conner Currie kept relentless pressure on the United defense with attacking runs. Daniel Anderson had his way with the United defenders and helped keep up the pressure on Moscow’s back line. Jack Miller’s work rate was unequaled on the pitch. Miller tracked down every loose ball and constantly harassed the United players when they had the ball.

 A Kick in the Grass is a coach-submitted column which runs every Thursday in the Daily Bee during soccer season.