By Jon Poppen
The Boys Saber soccer team split games this week with one win and one loss, bringing their record to 3-2-0.
The highlight came Thursday in Farmington, where the Sabers rallied from a 1-0 halftime deficit to earn a 2-1 victory.
The night was defined by cold, wind and relentless rain. For much of the first half, rain fell sideways across the field, leaving players complaining they could barely see. Despite decent play, Farmington broke through the Sabers’ backline and scored on a breakaway to take a 1-0 lead into halftime.
When the second half began, the rain and wind subsided, though the cold remained. The Sabers’ play, however, was heating up. They began swinging the ball from side to side, connecting passes and creating scoring chances.
Momentum led to a free kick in striking range. Nico Villagra, dangerous near the goal, put the ball on target. Whether it was the wet ball, numb fingers or the force behind the shot, the Farmington goalie mishandled it. Senior Luca Djukic, sprinting toward the goal, pounced and poked it into the back of the net to tie the game.
Less than 10 minutes later, Nico struck again. After receiving the ball about 40 yards out, he used a back-heel turn to leave a defender behind and take space. Spotting the goalie off his line, Nico unleashed a powerful shot that carried into the net. Fans in the stands erupted, the bench poured out from under the tarp, and the Sabers took a 2-1 lead they would hold the rest of the way.
Saturday brought different results. The Sabers traveled to Chanhassen for a section matchup and, despite creating chances, came up short. Chanhassen capitalized on a second-half corner kick for the game’s only goal in a 1-0 loss.
The Sabers will look to rebound this week. They host Lakeville South on Monday at 5 p.m., face Eastview on Wednesday at 7 p.m., and wrap up the week Saturday at 5 p.m. against Duluth East.