Prairie du Chien boys soccer plays two matches
On Tuesday, April 20, the Blackhawks were thrilled to finally play their first game of the boys soccer alternative spring season.
The Hawks had elected to discontinue play mid-season in the fall of 2020, due to COVID-19 quarantines, and to instead resume play this spring. That decision has provided the boys soccer team the opportunity to train and play for over six weeks of additional action this spring.
On a clear but chilly afternoon, the Hawks traveled to Viroqua and squared off against Driftless United. The Hawks were short on numbers, with only one substitute player, but tall on effort. Throughout the game, Driftless was strong on the attack and posed a challenge to the Hawks.
In the first half, the Hawks’ defense, anchored by junior Spencer DeHart and freshman Adam Anderson, worked hard and secured numerous offsides calls, quickly ending those attacks. Despite a solid effort, Driftless’ attackers were relentless and knocked in 5 goals in the first half.
After regrouping at half, the Hawks were able to fend off a significant number of second half attacks, letting in only 3 additional goals.
The Hawks’ offensive effort was led by junior Domonic Tanner, who had the Hawks’ sole shot on goal, and sophomore Joey Xiya, both of whom showed grit and untiring determination.
The Hawks’ goalkeeper, sophomore Logan Higgins, was hammered on all evening and nabbed an impressive 24 saves. Despite a final score of 8-0, with Driftless prevailing, the Hawks left Viroqua with spirits high and hungry for the next game.
PdC hosts La Crosse Logan
On Saturday, April 24, the Prairie du Chien Blackhawks hosted the La Crosse Logan Rangers at the Blackhawks’ first home match of the alternative spring season.
The Rangers came out attacking, scoring two quick goals in the third and eighth minute. The Blackhawks quickly regrouped, and held off scoring for much of the first half, successfully drawing the Rangers offsides innumerable times throughout the game. The Rangers were able to hit an additional long shot and connect on a penalty kick, making the score 4-0 Rangers at the half.
In the second half, the Blackhawks, who had limited numbers and only two substitute players, were worn down by the Rangers continuous attack. The Rangers connected for two additional goals early in the second half.
In the 66th minute, Blackhawks sophomore Trystan Nesvold smashed in a shot from outside the penalty box, bringing new energy to the home team by scoring the Blackhawk’s first goal this spring. Notwithstanding, that jolt of energy for the Blackhawks, the Rangers were able to connect for two more goals, making the final score 8-1 with the Rangers prevailing.
Blackhawk defenders Spencer DeHart, Adam Anderson, Ben Knapp, Lance Koresh, and Creighton Groom put on a clinic on how to hold the defensive line, frustrating the Rangers and preventing numerous goals. Sophomore goalkeeper Logan Higgins had another very busy game, nabbing 28 saves for the afternoon.