2 days Ago
By Alex Kopf [email protected] The Yankton Bucks boys’ soccer team fell to the Huron Tigers, 1-0, on senior night at Crane-Youngworth Field on Tuesday evening.
Yankton came out focused on senior night, playing extremely sound defense while generating offensive chances of their own. “Yesterday we had a really good training session,” Bucks’ head coach Dane Hansen said. “We also had a really good chat about what the end of the season means for us, and whether or not we make the playoffs.
” In the 18th minute, Yankton’s Jack Pedersen’s left footer was saved by Huron goalkeeper, Eh Ja Beh Win, to keep the game scoreless. The Bucks kept the pressure on when Kevin Ortiz bounced a free kick on goal from the 25-yard line in the 22nd minute. Just 60 seconds later, Ortiz made a sliding save after a Huron player chipped the ball past Andrew Budig for what would have been a guaranteed goal.
Huron flipped their offensive switch and began to pound Budig with shots. The Yankton keeper stood tall, making multiple diving stops in under a 10-minute span. Following another diving stop in the 34th minute, Huron’s Mister Min finally found the back of the net, giving the Tigers a one goal lead entering halftime.
As the second half began, Christian Pacheco was moved from his normal middle forward position to the forward wing he played most of last year. The switch generated offense almost immediately, as Pacheco initial shot was saved inside the goalie box, then his pass on the rebound to Pedersen was blocked by a Tiger defender. The Tigers responded back with chances of their own, testing Budig with grade A shots in the 55th and 58th minute.
Yankton’s keeper continued to stand on his head with two more ridiculous saves to keep the deficit at one. Despite their defensive efforts, Huron was able to hold the Bucks scoreless and claimed their second win of the season. For a few of the seniors, regardless of the outcome this year, the team is what they’ll miss the most.
“Hanging out with the guys is something I’ll miss a lot,” senior Aiden Anderson said. “Just that and the team meals together.” The Bucks head to Mitchell on Thursday Sept.
17, as they enter the last stretch of the regular season. “For the last couple of games, we just want to keep getting better,” coach Hansen said. “Just keep improving what we can and finish strong.
” Follow @Alex_kopf30 on X (Twitter).
