With the soccer season just barely a week old, the Groton boys’ team has already doubled its win total from a year ago.
The Tigers won their fourth straight game on Saturday afternoon with a 4-1 decision against St. Thomas More at the Northern State Pavilion.
“We’re a lot more competitive,” said Groton’s Karson Zak of the difference between this year’s unit and last year’s squad. “During practices we go at it. We’re in each other’s grill. We’re doing anything we possibly can. We want to win and want to make it to state. Last year was a learning year.”
Groton coach Ryan Olson said a key factor has been the addition of two players new to the team this fall.
“We’ve added two guys that have really been leaders on our team,” Olson said. “Becker Bosma and JJ Muller have been really helpful with our defense area and that leadership they bring on the field, and just the communication that we bring to the team. We’re definitely locked in more than we were. We have that confidence and it’s a really good feeling.”
The Tigers trailed early after STM scored on a penalty kick. It was the third time an opponent has scored on a penalty kick against Groton this year, the only goals that goaltender Gage Sippel has allowed in four games.
Sippel talked about the unenviable challenge of stopping an opponent from point-blank range.
“It’s just me and him. Usually when they kick, I watch their hips,” Sippel said. “If they open them, it means they’re usually going right. If they keep them closed, it means they’re going left.”
The 6-foot-7 Sippel made an incredible save in the second half, reaching up and snagging the ball as it appeared destined to find the back of the net.
“I’m going to be honest,” Sippel said, “I thought it was going to go over me, and luckily it snuck in my hand.”
With his imposing frame, it’s tough for foes to find a way to get a ball past Sippel, who finished with 20 saves against STM.
“Gage is just an excellent goalie,” Olson said. “It’s really awesome to have a really tall goalie.”
Sippel said he understands the significance of his position on the pitch.
“There’s a lot of pressure in the goal, because in order for them to score, they’ve got to get by you,” Sippel said, “and at the end of the day, that scoreboard tells you how many you let by and how many you saved.”
Groton’s offense was powered by Zak, who finds another gear to race past defenders for solid looks at the goal and also finds spots within the defense to put pressure on opposing goalies.
“I move in between the gaps and they don’t really know where I’m at,” Zak said, “and I wait for this guy (Sippel) to send me a big one, and then I go.”
Zak’s second goal on the day had more to do with leg strength than leg speed and he fired a rocket from about 25 yards out that the STM goalie couldn’t handle.
“That’s one of my favorite shots. … Most people are not good at it,” Zak said, “but I take a lot of them during practice, and I just let em rip.”
Olson knows all about Zak’s ability, regardless of where he is at on the pitch.
“His kicks are so powerful, it’s just amazing,” Olson said. “I feel sorry for the those goalies once he can just lock it on the goal. He’s a great athlete.”
Groton also received goals from Logan Olson and Easton Weber. Zak, Olson, Weber and Ethan Kroll each had assists on the day.
The Tigers host Freeman Academy on Thursday before traveling to Mitchell on Labor Day.
The team will look to continue to keep its early-season momentum going as it looks to have a memorable season.
“I just want to thank my team for the work they put in this year. It’s a lot better than last year, that’s for sure,” Sippel said. “They’ve really improved and they’ve been working, lifting weights, and all that stuff to make us a better team.”
St. Thomas More 1 0 – 1
Groton 1 3 – 4
First Half: 1, STM, Carter Stamper (penalty kick), 21:16; 2, G, Karson Zak, 9:27.
Second Half: 3, G, Logan Olson, 38:19; 4, G, Zak, 30:52; 5, G, Easton Weber, 4:58.
Goalies: Groton, Gage Sippel (20 saves).
