Tigers fall to 1-1 in WVC

By Paul Lecker

Sports Reporter

WISCONSIN RAPIDS — The Marshfield boys soccer team had a tough go of it Thursday night as the Tigers dropped a 7-1 decision to Wisconsin Rapids in a Wisconsin Valley Conference matchup at Washington Elementary School.

Wisconsin Rapids (2-2-3, 1-0-3 Wisconsin Valley Conference) scored four times before halftime and quickly put away the Tigers (2-3, 1-1 WVC).

Jack Kiiskila scored the first goal five minutes into the game and added two others in the second half for the Raiders.

Marshfield had 15 shots on goal but could only get one past Rapids’ goalkeeper Carson Crotteau.

Kevin Cassidy scored off an assist from Collin Nikolai at the 66:50 mark.

“There were many positives out of a lopsided score and a tough loss,” Marshfield coach Steve McCann said. “Rapids played very direct — defended their box well and played up to 2-3 forwards who played well — physical and fast to score multiple goals.

“We actually controlled the ball well. We will continue to work our style of play, controlling middle of field, switching fields, and looking for man up advantages to score. Despite have 10 returning players, we have 13 new players and need to keep building on what we are working on. I was happy with our communication as a group. It’s improving, something we’re focusing on.”

Marshfield hosts Stevens Point on Friday in a make-up from Tuesday’s game that was postponed due to thunderstorms. The game begins at 4:45 p.m. at Griese Park.

(Hub City Times Sports Reporter Paul Lecker is also the publisher of MarshfieldAreaSports.com.)

Raiders 7, Tigers 1

Marshfield 0 1 – 1

Wisconsin Rapids 4 3 – 7

First half: 1. WR, Jack Kiiskila (Ryan Graczkowski), 5:00; 2. WR, Colin Lindvig (Dylan Bassuener), 5:30; 3. WR, Spencer Sparks (Keegan Pulchinski), 24:17; 4. WR, Jonah Bakunowicz (penalty kick), 36:32.

Second half: 5. M, Kevin Cassidy (Collin Nikolai), 66:50; 6. WR, Kiisklia (Lindvig), 75:39; 7. WR, Kiisklia (ua), 85:23; 8. WR, Andrew Metcalf (Sparks), 89:19.

Total shots: Marshfield 19; Wisconsin Rapids 18.

Shots on goal: Marshfield 15; Wisconsin Rapids 17.

Corner kicks: Marshfield 6; Wisconsin Rapids 5.

Saves: M, Jared Klein 10; WR, Carson Crotteau 14.

Records: Marshfield 2-3, 1-1 Wisconsin Valley Conference; Wisconsin Rapids 2-2-3, 1-0-3 WVC.