By Paul Lecker

Sports Reporter

MARSHFIELD — The Marshfield boys soccer team seems to be hitting its stride as the WIAA playoffs draw near.

Following a 9-0 shutout of Merill Thursday, Marshfield is 7-2-3 in its last 12 games after a sluggish 2-4 start.

At 9-6-3 overall and 5-4-1 in the Wisconsin Valley Conference, the Tigers are poised to finish off their regular-season schedule on a high note.

Marshfield closes out its WVC campaign hosting D.C. Everest on Oct. 11 and playing at Wausau East on Oct. 13.

Some shifting of personnel on the field has brought better results, Marshfield coach Steve McCann said.

“I keep tinkering with the lineup,” McCann said. “I think I’ve got people where I want them on the field. Defensively, I think we’ve been better. We’ve been stepping to the ball better and covering people harder.”

Marshfield has allowed 12 goals in its last seven games, a pace that is much more conducive to winning than it showed early in the season.

“We can still do better, but it’s coming,” McCann said of the defensive effort. “Hopefully we’re peaking at the right time of the year. It seems like we are.”

Marshfield has manufactured offense throughout the season, owning shot advantages in nearly every game. It has not always been enough, however, but McCann said he is seeing the improvement necessary for it to carry over into the posteason.

The Tigers will compete in the WIAA Division 2 playoffs, which begin with regionals on Oct. 18.

“Shots, shots on goal, corner kicks, all of it,” McCann said. “We have to get the ball in the frame. Communicate, possess, get it in the frame — it’s coming.”