Strikers notch wins over rival Sting

n Rec League U5 — Beetles

Good Job Beetles. Our team is having fun; and at this age that is all we can ask for. Great job Robert Newsom, Marg Barton, Trapper Vierra, Dillon Bradburn and Madison Gunter. We are so proud of all of you. Coach Nikki and Aaron

n Rec League U10 Boys — Vandals v. Eagles

The Vandals team played the Eagles this week in an extremely exciting and tough game which resulted in another Vandals victory. Coach Howard would like to applaud his team for playing so hard and fair. Spencer, Christian H., Josh, Brad, Darian, Shawn, Jesse and Christian A. You guys rock!

n Rec League U12 — Jaguars v. Cougars

Two very fierce and fast cat teams, the Jaguars and the Cougars, met this week on the soccer field. The Jaguars were playing without substitutes as three team members went to the Math Decathlon. The Cougars were able to field nine players. All were worn out at the end of the game. The Jaguars were able to end the first half 3-0 with two scores by Dawna and one by Morgan. Those were only possible by superb passing by Ally and Alexis. Corey, the Cougars 1st half goalie, was awesome as he was able to repel many Jaquar shots. The Cougars were led by Evan down the field with Madeline, Isabella and Cameron passing through the midfield but they were unable to get through the tightJaguar defense of Austin, Kaden, Jade and Jolene. In the second half, the Cougars Evan was able to score twice, with another three possible goals that were stopped by Austin, the Jaguars goalie. That was not going to be enough though, as the Jaguars added to the score with goals by Jolene, Morgan, Dawna and Alexis. The play of the game was a deflection off the head of Violet, the Cougars second half goalie. Jolene shot, from outside the penalty box, a very hard high kick right down the center which deflected off Violet’s head, over the crossbar and then over the playground fence and into the trees. Luckily there was no injury and the game ended 7-2 for the Jaguars. 

n Rec League U14 — Force v. Fury

The U14 Force team had some tough competition going up against team Fury but held strong with great teamwork in passing the ball between forwards Nate Loutzenhiser, Skyler Speakman, Alex Mortensen, Jake Moore, Bree Jones and Dulcie Baker. Defense showed strength through the efforts of Dalaina Daniels, Alyssa Emery, Chandlar Johnson and Josh Loutzenhiser. Goal keepers Kadin Phillips and Dane Loutzenhiser were outstanding and the final score was a tie of 3-3. Standouts: Nate, Jake and Dane along with Sky and Josh, who scored two and one points, respectively.

n Rec League U18 — Hot Shots v. Dare Devils

U18 Hot Shots wasted no time in utilizing their soccer skills in passing, fast footwork and using their heads to deflect the ball back at their opponents, the Dare Devils, who didn’t hesitate to meet the challenge. Points scored by Casey Dunn(1), Jessie Myers(1) and Bryce Lucas(2) were matched goal for goal by the Dare Devils and ended in a 4-4 tie between the two teams. Laurel Presser, Levi Speakman, Tommy Fury, Xena Lunsford, Dylan Utt, Cassie Tenney, Kelcey Utt, Nick Emery, Rachel Dallas and James Tupper all demonstrated great teamwork and support of each other. These two highly competitive teams were well matched and provided some of the best entertainment for the afternoon.  

n Strikers U10 Boys

The Strikers U10B RED Team kicked its season off with a bang last week, winning its first three games on the road and earning the team a 3-0 record for the season. The U10 RED bettered the Coeur d’Alene Sting 5-1 in its season opener on Wednesday. The first goal of the game came from Damian Fitzpatrick, followed by two goals in succession from Kaden Hitchcock. Charlie Crane added the fourth Striker goal on a PK and Koen Conner sunk his first career Strikers goal to finish off the Strikers win. Strong defensive efforts anchored by Koen Conner and supported by Hyrum Hunsaker, Andrew Greiff, Tristan Miller and Carson Andrick kept the Sting at bay, while goal keeper Andre Kemink allowed just one goal despite numerous shots from the Sting offense. New to the RED roster this season, Scout Nash had a positive impact on the game in his first match as a Striker. With several impressive crosses and full field runs in his first game, Scout showed off his speed, which will undoubtedly be a valuable asset to the team this season. The U10 RED triumphed over both Lewiston teams in a doubleheader Saturday, beating the LC United 6-0 and the LC Ice 1-0. Landin Filippini and Tristan Miller each scored 3 goals against the LC United, earning a hat trick each. Filippini scored the lone goal vs. LC Ice; a reward for his excellent overall vision on the pitch and thoughtful balance between passing and shooting. Andre Kemink protected the Strikers net for both games, earning the impressive double shut out. Showing strong and consistent defensive skills Andrew Greiff, Koen Conner, and Hyrum Hunsaker completely shut down the Lewiston offense. Charlie Crane put together a number of combinations midfield, getting behind the Lewiston defense and feeding balls to forward Kristopher Hertel while working effectively with outside midfielders to create attacking opportunities with Carson Andrick, Scout Nash, and Kaden Hitchcock. Damian Fitzpatrick continued to inspire the Strikers team with his incredible work ethic and the intensity he brings to each match.

n Strikers U11 Boys

Last week the Strikers U11 Boys Red team added two more victories to its Northwest League win column. On Wednesday, they overwhelmed the Coeur d’Alene Sting 8-3. Jake Tremble had his third hat trick of the year, and Roan Allen had his first. Jered Meyer, Cory Diel and Nick Rapppaport added additional goals. Gavin Klein and Chase Meek were strong in goal. On Saturday, the game against the Lakeland Nighthawks was closer, with the Strikers edging out a narrow 2-1 victory. The first half was scoreless. Defenders Mahonri Hunsaker, Roan Allen and Jered Meyer were stingy and tough. Gavin Klein was flawless. In the second half, Roan Allen broke the deadlock by beating and outrunning defenders, bouncing a first shot off the post and putting the rebound in. The Nighthawks rebounded and evened the score soon after. From a pass from midfielder Lucas Chapman, Roan Allen put in another outstanding individual effort by scoring the final and winning goal. Chase Meek prevented the Nighthawks from scoring another goal. The U11 Boys Red are now 5-2 in league play and 7-2 overall.

n Strikers U12 Boys.

The sun was shining, the birds were singing and Brett Hutchens (Striker MVP) was scoring goals left and right (well, technically they were both rights). Playing with the intensity they have exhibited all season the U-12 Striker Boys traveled to Hayden Saturday to take on the Cd’A Sting. Virtually every Striker had a shot on goal. Both T.J. Kennedy and Jacob Rookey (midfielders) narrowly missed exciting headers and Tanner McNelley (also as a mid) almost connected on a volley and penalty.

Jared Cooper once again exemplified the inexhaustible spirit of the U-12 boys; tirelessly moving the ball or finding his favorite attacker in Tyler Meyer as right midfielder. Goalkeepers Cooper Spalding and Tyler Colin had their hands full (literally) in both halves of the game; Spalding having several flamboyant saves and Colin creating offensive situations with his booming drop-kick. Anthony Walker (forward) subbed well during the first and second period. Yet, the game’s competitive nature was due in large part to defensive anchors Brandon Heitstuman (sweeper) and Paul Meyers (right) both defenders consistently moving the ball into Sting territory. They travel to Lakeland on Saturday for the final game of their league season.  

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