Mosinee soccer tops Pines in conference opener

It was a tough loss to open the Great Northern Conference season for the Northland Pines varsity soccer team as the visiting Mosinee Indians came away with a 4-2 victory after a combined five goals were scored in the first half. 

Northland Pines had plenty of offensive opportunities, especially in a physical first 40 minutes of play. The team finished with 19 shots on net, which is on par with what the Eagles have done so far this year. 

“The offense had multiple scoring opportunities, with a total of 19 shots on goal, but they just didn't hit the net,” said Northland Pines Head Coach Jamie Remme. “I am proud of the effort our team put into this game and how their attitude remained positive, even after a tough loss.” 

Dechlan Favorite and junior Ryan Rydeski both found the back of the net in the first half for the Eagles, as Favorite’s goal gave Pines a 1-0 advantage early on. Mosinee then found some gaps in the Eagles' defense and made multiple runs towards the net that turned into two quick goals. That flipped the game into Mosinee’s favor, 2-1, just 12 minutes into the game. Rydeski pressured the middle of the field in the 24th minute, and a pass by freshman Simon Adamovich found Rydeski’s foot right in front of the net as he deflected the ball past Mosinee’s goalkeeper to tie things up at 2-2. The Indians would tack on one more before the halftime whistle, as Northland Pines went to the drawing board at the half. 

“We made some shifts defensively for the second half which did help. Unfortunately, Mosinee was able to take advantage and score on a direct kick,” explained Remme. The second half was scoreless for more than 15 minutes before the Indians scored that final goal to give themselves a two-score cushion, 4-2, with just over 20 minutes left on the clock. 

The Eagles are now 2-1 (0-1) on the season and will look to bounce back on the road tomorrow night, Thursday, Sept. 4, with a clash at Medford. Pines will also travel to Marshfield this Saturday to face Columbus Catholic in a non-conference matchup.