By Chris Bennett
Sports correspondent
The Elkhorn Area High School soccer team played to two 2-2 ties against two of the tougher foes they’ll face this season – including conference rival and defending state champion Delavan-Darien.
The Elks played to a 2-2 tie Sept. 9 in a non-conference match at Kettle Moraine. The Elks also played to a 2-2 tie Sept. 7 at home against Southern Lakes Conference rival Delavan-Darien.
The Elks played SLC matches last Tuesday at home against Burlington, last Thursday at Wilmot and at home Saturday against Racine St. Catherine’s.
Against Kettle Moraine (3-0-3) the Elks trailed 2-1 late in the second half before getting the late equalizer from Luke Umnus and salvaging the tie.
“That’s the best team we’ve seen all season,” Elks coach BZ Kayser said. “By far. They have massive size. They’re strong, they’re physical, they’ve got great skill with the ball, and they move really well.”
Kettle Moraine is ranked seventh in Division 1 in the latest Wisconsin Soccer Coaches Association state poll. Elkhorn is ranked fifth in Division 2.
Kevin Romero gave the Elks a 1-0 lead with a goal early in the first half, and Elkhorn led 1-0 at halftime. Kettle Moraine scored two goals in the second half to take a 2-1 lead.
Elkhorn also trailed Delavan-Darien 2-1 in the second half before getting the equalizer from Leo Loredo, who scored off of a corner kick.
Elkhorn trailed 1-0 at halftime before Romero scored on a breakaway for the Elks. The Comets scored with 54 minutes elapsed to take a 2-1 lead.
“It was a really good battle,” Kayser said. “I think both teams thought they probably had chances to win that game. I think, overall, we have a better team, but they just have four stud players – I could see all of them playing in college.”
Delavan-Darien is ranked No. 1 in Division 3 in the latest WSCA state poll.
St. Catherine’s is ranked second in Division 4, and Kayser believes fewer teams in the state can claim a tougher schedule this season than the Elks.
The Elks played Middleton and Waukesha West when both were ranked, and have yet to play ranked side Union Grove in SLC play.
