The Mayville boys soccer team celebrated homecoming week with three victories, including two mercy-rule shutouts, extending its winning streak to four matches. The Cardinals outscored opponents 19-1 during the week while celebrating Senior Night and Parents Night at Ribbens Memorial Field.
Head coach Bill Brownlow credited the team’s recent success to improved defensive pressure and a balanced offensive attack.
“We have been very successful at winning the ball quickly,” Brownlow said. “Winning the ball high means we stop their attacks from ever starting, and we get possession needing only one or two passes to create a shot.”
Brownlow said the Cardinals have improved at disrupting opponents’ attacks since the second half of their comeback victory over Green Bay N.E.W. Lutheran, preventing teams from advancing the ball past Mayville’s defensive pressure.
“Our attack has also been very balanced, so anybody with the ball is a danger to shoot or to pass, and teams haven’t been able to focus on stopping one player,” he said.
Mayville 3, Central Wisconsin Christian 1
Mayville opened the week Monday, Oct. 5, with a 3-1 road victory over Central Wisconsin Christian.
The Cardinals built a 2-1 halftime advantage before adding another goal in the second half to secure the win.
Senior Jezer Blanco was among Mayville’s goal scorers, while junior goalkeeper Cody Roemer recorded one save.
Mayville 8, Berlin 0
The Cardinals returned home Tuesday, Oct. 6, celebrating Senior Night with an 8-0 mercy-rule victory over Berlin.
Mayville took control early, scoring four goals in the first half before adding four more in the second.
Senior Nick Wojahn led the Cardinals with two goals, while fellow senior Blanco contributed two assists. Roemer recorded one save in the shutout.
Mayville 8, Campbellsport 0
Mayville continued its offensive momentum Thursday, Oct. 8, celebrating Parents Night with an 8-0 mercy-rule conference victory over Campbellsport.
The Cardinals dominated the first half, building a commanding 6-0 lead before adding two more goals in the second.
Eight different Cardinals found the net, including Landon Bender, Colton Neumann, Max, Jakub Lehockey, Nick Wojahn, Jaxson Haylett-Bauer, Jaxon Price and Hamish Worthington. Mayville’s balanced attack also featured assists from Colin Koepsell, Max, Jezer Blanco and Haylett-Bauer. Goalkeeper Cody Roemer recorded one save to preserve the shutout.
Head coach Bill Brownlow praised his team’s unselfish play and the opportunity to give younger players valuable playing time.
“We wanted to win this game but we also wanted to make sure to spread the offense around and try to get some different players a goal,” Brownlow said. “I am very proud of how unselfish we played and very happy to end the week with a third and fourth player scoring their first career goal.”
Brownlow added that the lopsided victory allowed the Cardinals to rest players dealing with injuries while giving the bench valuable minutes.
The victory completed a three-game sweep of homecoming week and extended Mayville’s winning streak to four, improving the Cardinals to 10-9-1 on the season.
Looking toward the postseason, Brownlow said the recent success has strengthened the team’s confidence.
“Having success scoring goals and winning games is important for the home stretch,” Brownlow said. “The boys have built a ton of trust in each other and it gives them the confidence that we are never out of a game.”
Up Next
The Cardinals (10-9-1) travel to Winnebago Lutheran Academy (11-6-1) Tuesday, Oct. 13, after the press deadline, before returning home to host St. Mary’s Springs (4-8-3) Thursday and Lake Mills (10-2-2) Friday, Oct. 16. Both home matches begin at 4:30 p.m.
The WIAA Division 4 boys soccer tournament brackets have been set, with No. 10 seed Mayville traveling to No. 7 seed Watertown Luther Prep for a second-round regional match Thursday, Oct. 22, at 4 p.m. The winner advances to play Saturday, Oct. 24.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here