By Kevin Cunningham
Sports Correspondent
To open up its 2016 season, the Whitewater High School boys soccer team – who competes in Division 3 – played against Elkhorn, who competes in Division 2. Schools compete in certain divisions based on enrollment, allowing for a more even playing field.
Against Elkhorn, Whitewater kept the game close until the second half, eventually losing, 5-1. Two days later, against Janesville Craig, the Whippets had another opportunity to defeat an opponent deemed out of their class, as Janesville Craig competes in Division 1.
“Our varsity team was able to apply some lessons learned from our earlier game this week and came out playing much better fundamental soccer,” Whippets head coach John Chenoweth said. “It was a highly contested game throughout with a 0-0 tie going into the half. The Whippets played with a lot of confidence in our short passing game and used strong communication to help play a much better defensive game.”
After the scoreless half, the Whippets’ Hiqmet Dauti changed the game by scoring twice. The Whippets’ defense held strong as well, keeping Janesville Craig scoreless, leading to a 2-0 victory.
“Jameson Hutchins also had a great night putting in some really strong rotations in the defensive back line,” Chenoweth said. “And Michael Fernandez had another solid night in goal, picking up the shutout along with seven saves.”
With the win, Whitewater is now 1-1 overall this season heading into its third game. The Whippets’ next contest will be against Watertown at 7 p.m. on Sept. 1 at Watertown. Watertown also competes in Division 1.
