Raiders Continue To Impress

The Raiders competed against three dominant teams with winning records in the past week of soccer. This did not deter the Raiders, even when playing teams from higher divisions. With a record of 13-2-2, and 10 shutouts, the Raiders moved up to number four in the State Poll.
On Tuesday, May 10, The Raiders hosted an unfamiliar opponent in Big Foot/Walworth. In the first half in cool conditions with an unrelenting drizzle of rain, it was a back and forth game that kept fans on the edge of their seats. As the half drew to a close, it was a 2 to 2 draw. In the second half, the Raiders offense broke through, outscoring Big Foot four goals to one. Seniors Vanessa Narveson and Brooke Larson scored two goals each for the Raiders, while Esther Noriega and Nicole Sanders added to the goal tally. Final: Raiders 6, Big Foot 3.
On Saturday, May 14, the Raiders hosted the Swiss Kick Tournament in New Glarus. A highlight of the tournament was the Swiss Yodelers performing the Swiss anthem to a standing ovation. In the first game the opponent was Waunakee. The Raiders opened the scoring when Aimee Sies found the net on a decisive strike that curved into the net. Vanessa Narveson increased the Raider's lead in the second half when she attacked the box and delivered the ball in the net. The defense shut down Waunakee's offense and recorded their tenth shutout of the season. Final: Raiders 2, Waunakee 0.
In the second game of the tournament the Raider opponent was Monona Grove, who had only one loss for the season. Monona Grove struck first but the Raiders refused to accept defeat. The Raiders showed their strength as the offense continually attacked the goal while the defense gave their all to prevent any more scoring attempts. The equalizer came from sophomore Aimee Sies, whose free kick hit the back of the net and had the Raider fan section on their feet with cheering and jubilation. The game officially ended in a tie but went to a shootout to determine the winner of the tournament. The Raiders delivered all their kicks into the net. Scoring for the Raiders were Nicole Sanders, Abbi Lahey, Vanessa Narveson and Julia McNamar. Raider goalie Rachael Heittola turned away two shots from Monona Grove in an outstanding performance. The Sugar River Raiders won the 2016 Swiss Kick Tournament.
Next up for the Raiders is a home game on Thursday, May 19th, in Belleville. The JV game starts at 5:00 p.m., with the Varsity game to follow at 7:00 p.m.