Undefeated Elks earning recognition in state poll
By Chris Bennett
Correspondent
The Elkhorn Area High School boys soccer team outscored its previous two opponents 14-0 and posted two non-conference victories. The Elks defeated Jefferson 10-0 Sept. 1 at home and beat Big Foot/Williams Bay 4-0 Aug. 30 at home.
Elkhorn opens Southern Lakes Conference play today at home against Wilmot (2-3-1). The Elks play Saturday at home against non-conference foe Whitefish Bay Dominican (3-1-0).
“It just clicked for us,” coach BZ Kayser said of the Elks’ rout of Jefferson (1-3). “They’re not a very strong team.”
The Elks led 7-0 at halftime and added three goals in the second half. Kevin Romero scored five goals and Vince Umnus added three. Leo Loredo and Adam Reigle each scored one goal.
Ben Burrows and Sid Babu each tallied two assists. Kayser said goalkeeper Teyatzin Aranda faced two shots in the first half and none in the second half, and finished with the clean sheet.
The match was called due to the Mercy Rule when the Elks scored their 10th goal.
Against Big Foot/Williams Bay (5-2), Kayser said the Elks adjusted to the Chiefs’ defensive pressure and denied them any rhythm on offense.
“They didn’t have very many shots,” Kayser said. “We outshot them quite a bit too.”
Burrows, Umnus, Romero and Reigle scored for the Elks and Aranda posted another shutout.
Kayser said the Elks should have scored more than they did against Big Foot/Williams Bay.
“We’re going to run into some really good teams, and we’re not going to have as many shots,” Kayser said. “We have to be able to put the ball in the back of the net when we get those opportunities.”
Elkhorn (5-0) is an Honorable Mention selection in Division 2 in the most recent Wisconsin Soccer Coaches Association state poll. SLC foe Delavan-Darien is ranked fifth in Division 3. The Comets are the defending WIAA Division 3 state champions. The Elks and Comets play Sept. 13 in a SLC match at Delavan-Darien High School.
