Posted: 8/28/07
Warrior boys give up one goal in first two outings of the season
 Caledoniaís Craig Loeffler tried a head shot against four Austin High defenders. The Warriors dropped a 1-0 game to La Crosse Central last Thursday and battled Austin to a 0-0 tie. Photo by Reed Welch |
By Charlie Warner
Argus Editor
The Caledonia boys soccer team started out the 2007 season showcasing some very stingy defense. Unfortunately, the Warriors ran into some even stingier defense by their opponents, as they lost to visiting La Crosse Central 1-0 on August 23 and tied visiting Austin High School 0-0 August 25.
Warrior goalie Isaac Schiltz had two excellent games, according to head coach Tom Krinke, as he gave up just one goal in two full games and an overtime period.
"Central scored the only goal of the game on a penalty kick with five minutes left in regulation," Krinke said. "The game was played on the JV field under very muddy conditions. We have a lot of players who were facing their first varsity experience. And it showed. I had the kids play in a new formation that they werenít used to. I know that hurt us. We were out-shot 17-7 and Central kept the pressure on us much of the game.
"Isaac (Schiltz) had an excellent game and Ryan Cody kept us in the game," Krinke added. "You could tell it was the first game for a lot of our kids."
Krinke said a hard day of practice Friday and revamping their formation made for a much better showing Saturday, when the Warriors battled Austin to a 0-0 tie.
"We looked much better in the Austin game," Krinke said. "We were in control of the game, but we ran into a very hot goalie. We had some very good shots on goal, but just couldnít get the ball by him. We played with a lot more confidence. Isaac had another very solid game in the nets, not giving up a goal."
The Warriors out-shot the Packers 20-16.
Up next
CHS will play their third straight home game in as many contests Saturday, when they host Onalaska.
"Onalaska has a very good team," Krinke said. "They usually have about 60 kids out for soccer and send 20 home. They have a very solid program, with a long tradition of winning. We probably played our best game of the season last year when we played them to a 0-0 tie."
The Warriors will then travel to Winona High School September 4 to take on the Class AA Winhawks.
"These next two games will be a real test for our team," Krinke said. "We start the season out with games against four good teams. If we play the way I think we can, we should be able to pick up wins in our next two games."
Team preview
The 2007 Warriors return 10 letters winners from last yearís conference champs. They include captain Ryan Cody, Brad Hesse, Jackson Huus, Chad Lampert, Matt Mauss, Jordan Becker, Derek Beier, Colin Gluch, Isaac Schiltz, and Jordan Schuldt.
The 2006 team had a record of 16 wins, 4 losses and 1 tie. They won the Wisota Bridges Conference the last year of its existence and are now one of the only teams in the state not playing in a conference this year. Last yearís team lost to Rochester Lourdeís 3-0 in the Section 1A finals, and sent two players (Kaleb Schmitz the leading scorer in the state for Class 1A schools last season, and Zach Rollins) on to play college soccer this fall.
Others on the 2007 team include: Alek Eglinton, Nathan Hahn, Jarred Inglett, Craig Loeffler, Kevin Ranzenberger, and Nick Wagner.
"Our strengths this year are our strong returning letter winners and our excellent class of new players," Krinke said. "This is my best team, top to bottom, since my first year when I had 10 seniors on the team. While we donít have the dominate players of years past, this year we have balance. All of the players can handle the ball, are in great shape and we can attack from anywhere on the field. I am quietly hopeful and confident this will be the team to break through and go to state."
Krinke is assisted by Chris Jandt.
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