SHS soccer game ends in tie

The Spartan boys soccer team didn’t pick up its first win of the season Tuesday, but it did add a loss either.

Against the Hibbing Bluejackets Tuesday, the Superior High School boys soccer team battled to a 0-0 tie and now holds a 0-11-1 record for the season.

It was a back-and-forth game with Hibbing that saw opportunities for both teams, but in the end it was the defense and goalies who prevailed.

“I was very happy with our defense tonight. They really came together and played with a unity that hasn’t been there this season,” said Tom Bush, head coach of the Spartans. “Everyone that got in there on defense was solid. A couple of our bench guys really stepped it up.”

In the second half, the Spartans did put a goal through on a free kick by junior Brian Schmitt; however, the referee called the play back and ruled a re-kick to allow the defensive wall to be pushed back ten yards. Schmitt just missed on the second free kick.

“That was really upsetting. Brian didn’t ask for ten yards, and he saw the goalie out of position so he fired away. It was a perfect shot,” Bush said. “The referee thought he heard someone call for ten yards, so he stopped the play. And by the rules you have to wait for the referee to whistle the game back on at that point. Unfortunately that could have ended up being the difference.

“The thing we have to remember is that there were plenty of other opportunities that we missed. This game was not decided by the referees. Hibbing has a good team and they played great tonight as well.”

After 80 minutes of scoreless play, the teams battled for two more five minute periods, but neither team could convert a goal. The Spartans played hard and were happy to get a tie but still were not completely satisfied.

“In one sense it feels good because when you are 0-11, you are happy not to lose. But in another sense you really wish you could have won the game,” Bush said. “Our guys are starting to taste it. The team is coming together this week and I feel like this could be a turning point in our season.”

The Superior junior varsity team lost to Hibbing 7-2. Aaron Foley and Cameron Gray scored for the Spartans, with assists going to Dylan Semborski and Refi Olson. The JV record is now 2-7-1.

The Spartans played at Two Harbors Thursday night and will host Rice Lake at 11 a.m. Saturday.

Tags: sports, superior, spartans, soccer