Lackluster Performance, But a Win

By Mike Wagner

The difference between good teams and great teams is often the ability to win games when they do not perform at their peak.  The Eagan High School Wildcats Boys’ Soccer Team has now had two lackluster performances on consecutive Saturdays.  Last Saturday, September 8^th, the Cats were not able to pull off a win when performing at less than peak level.  That happens to good teams all of the time.  This Saturday, September 15^th at Wildcat Stadium against Cretin-Derham Hall the team, arguably, did not look much better than the previous Saturday, but this time they were able to win the game.  That is an attribute they will need to carry through the rest of the season if they want to be considered great and not just good. 

The game started with a definite bang for Eagan.  Off the opening kick-off Cretin played the ball back and to and outside midfielder.  As the Raider player turned to pass back to one of his defenders, Wyatt Wagner stepped in between them, intercepted the pass, and made a strong run into the penalty area.  The Cretin keeper, left alone to face a breakaway or a potential two-on-one, charged toward Wagner on the right side of the penalty area.  As he dove for the ball, he instead took Wagner down hard giving the referee no alternative but to call a penalty kick.  Wagner calmly approached the ball and placed his PK shot into the back of the net as the helpless Raider keeper guessed wrong giving Eagan a 1-0 lead just 12 seconds into the game.  Cretin controlled much of the play after the subsequent kick-off until the 21^st minute when Wagner, appearing free down the right side, was tugged hard on the bottom of his jersey by the Cretin defender giving chase.  Kyle Mayne lined up to deliver a free kick from about 35 yards out from the end line, near the right sideline, where he sent a ball near the penalty mark that a charging Ryan Mott was able to get to first as he headed the ball past the Raider keeper to put the Cats up 2-0.  Other than the two goals, Eagan only managed three more shots for the half with only one hitting the net.  Although Cretin controlled much of the midfield play they were only able get two shots for the half.  Eagan keeper Keith Krawza only had to make one save with Cretin’s other shot being knocked away by the Eagan defense.

The second half was even more non-descript than the first.  The Wildcats got off six shots, but the Raiders’ keeper was able to save the four on net.  Cretin managed five shots with Krawza saving three.  The highlight of the half was a high, leaping, extension save to Krawza’s left post that was labeled top corner.  Krawza just got his fingertips on the ball and pulled it down with him as he landed stretched out on his side.  The Cats overall team defensive effort was strong in keeping the ball away from the penalty area.  Ryan Larson, in particular, cleared a number of balls off his feet and off his head to help hold Cretin at bay.  Eagan will have another tough week ahead with practices on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and games on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday for the third week in a row.  They will need to be prepared to give their best effort mentally and physically every day if they want to be talked about as a great team as the season wares on.

This week Eagan will go to Jefferson Tuesday, September 18^th for a 4:45 pm start before returning home Thursday, September 20^th for a match-up with Lakeville South at 7:00 pm.  Saturday, September 22^nd the Cats will face Sibley in another non-conference matinee at 1:00 pm in their Homecoming Kick-Off Game with Coronation Court later that evening.  John Curlee State Farm Insurance will host the Varsity Half-Time Shoot-Out Contest and will have many free give-a-ways during some tailgating activities.  Come out and cheer on your Eagan Wildcats Boys’ Soccer Team.