Crusaders win soccer program's first home game

~ Saxony defeated Fredericktown 2-1.

Saxony Lutheran's first-year soccer program has just four scheduled home games in its inaugural season.

The Crusaders made the most of their first varsity home contest, notching a 2-1 win Monday over visiting Fredericktown.

The Crusaders (4-1) picked up their first two wins of the season at a tournament in Joplin, Mo., and last week Saxony traveled to Kennett, Mo., for a win.

"We've done some traveling this season already," Crusaders coach Ryan Schweain said.

In front of their home crowd, the Crusaders came out dominating the play.

Sophomore forward Andrew Etzold had several early opportunities, getting behind the Fredericktown defense.

It did not take Etzold long to make good on his chances, scoring on a low shot just inside the left post 10 minutes into the game.

"Andrew, he's fast. He's the fastest on the team," Schweain said. "If he can get his dribbling going he can get around the other team's defenders."

Up 1-0, Saxony continued to dominate play. The Crusaders seemed to be playing with a man advantage, as every loose ball and pass seemed to find a Saxony player.

Despite controlling play, the Crusaders were unable to cash in on several strong scoring chances. Fredericktown goalie Eli Skaggs was able to come up with several saves, although many of Saxony's shots either went wide or right at Skaggs.

"We had a lot of missed opportunities," Schweain said.

The Crusaders finally cashed in late in the half. Joe Buerck hit a low strike to the near post that eluded a diving Skaggs for a 2-0 lead.

Experienced players

Schweain said the early domination may have come from taking Fredericktown by surprise.

"Some teams think since this is our first season some of these kids haven't played before," Schweain said. "These kids have been playing their whole lives."

The Blackcats finally began to put together some offensive rushes in the second half. Saxony sophomore goalie Bryant Steffens was forced to make a save less than two minutes into the half.

Skaggs matched Steffens on the other end, stopping Garrett Fritsche just moments later on a rocket shot, and then making a save on Etzold just moments later.

With the Crusaders continuing to push players up on offense, Fredericktown began to get a few odd-man rushes. One of those rushes, midway through the half, resulted in a goal. Aaron Forester hit a shot in the upper left-hand corner to cut the lead to 2-1.

"We knew they would get the ball up the field as quick as they could and run on to it," Schweain said. "That almost hurt us a few times."

Forester's goal pushed the momentum to Fredericktown's side briefly -- Steffens had to make a save on a Forester shot just minutes after the goal -- but Saxony Lutheran maintained control of the game. Mark Buerck, who had an assist, nearly put the game out of reach with a shot which went off Skaggs' hand and off the cross bar with about 10 minutes remaining.

"I think we're playing good, playing tough," Schweain said. "The passing game is what we're working on the most. Hopefully that will get better every game."

The Crusaders are back in action Wednesday at North County.