(SECTIONAL) FOREST PARK 8 SOUTH SPENCER 0
It’s not certain if the South Spencer boys soccer team is a fan of the 1980s sitcom “Growing Pains”. But whether they are or not, the Rebels can certainly relate to the trials and tribulations of the Seaver kids — Mike, Carol, Ben and Chrissy.
Because the young Rebs experienced their share of growing pains this season. South Spencer wrapped up a 2023 campaign full of challenges after dropping an 8-0 decision to No. 17 ranked and host Forest Park in their Class 1A, Sectional 48 opener last Tuesday night in Bretzville.
Given his squad’s inexperience and the Rangers’ pedigree — they’re the three-time defending sectional champions, Rebel coach John Bell knew his squad would be in for a very difficult battle.“[Forest Park coach] Mike [Foerster] always has his kids ready,” said the South Spencer boss. “And when you’re basically playing against an opponent two years older than you, with mainly freshmen and sophomores, it’s going to be hard. They made it tough on us.”
That task proved tough from the start when Forest Park scored four goals in less than 17 minutes. Gus Hagedorn started the Rangers’ early offensive surge with a goal at the 34:12 mark before Noah Muller, Reece Wolf and Luke Meunier all followed to give Forest Park a 4-0 lead at the intermission.
“That’s kind of been our Achilles Heel all year long. We have that 10 or 12 minute stretch where the opponent has a flurry of goals,” explained Bell. “That usually tends to be the difference in the match. When you get down that much, it’s hard to stay motivated, but I thought the kids did pretty well keeping their intensity.”
Read more on this story in this week’s issue of the Spencer County Leader!
Story by Brian Bohne, Photos by Sierra Bruggeman
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