Vanguards’ soccer team falls in sectionals

The Wisconsin Heights/Barneveld boys soccer team saw its run at state come to end against a tough Lake Mills team last Wednesday. The L-Cats notched a 2-1 win in a WIAA Division 4 sectional semifinal played on a cold, snowy night. “Lake Mills is a very strong team,” Vanguards’ coach Bartlett Holmes said. “I was proud of how our boys played and kept playing strong to the end.” Heights/Barneveld had opportunities, however they were unable to finish, with players sliding on the field. “The wind and the field conditions were terrible, particularly on one side of the field,” Holmes said. “Each team definitely had the advantage when trying to score on the better half of the field.” Late in the first half, an error on the Heights/Barneveld defense led to an own goal, giving Lake Mills a 1-0 lead. Minutes later, Lake Mills scored again on a perfectly placed shot into the upper corner for a 2-0 halftime advantage. In the second half, Heights/Barneveld came out firing. Operating with its offense on the better side of the field and the wind with its back, Heights/Barneveld had more scoring opportunities. The Lake Mills keeper was able to make the saves, though. Midway through the second half, Heights/Barneveld was awarded an indirect kick. Caeben Schomber scored bringing the Vanguards within 2-1. Snow started coming down in earnest and as conditions deteriorated and play became more difficult. Heights/Barneveld continued attacking, but was unable to finish. With 10 minutes left, Lake Mills made a run. Keeper Trevor Dimpfl went down trying to make the save. With the ball rolling toward the net, it looked like Lake Mills would put the game away until defender AJ Olson flew into the net to make the goal line save and keep Heights/Barneveld in the match. “AJ’s save was amazing,” Holmes said. “It fired up the team, knowing we still had a chance to pull off the win.” Heights/Barneveld continued to attack. With 2 minutes remaining in the match, the Vanguards placed a corner kick in front of the net, but the header was saved by the L-Cats. Lake Mills then defeated Lake Country Lutheran in a sectional final and is headed to the state tournament. “It’s good to see a public school, and particularly a Capitol Conference school in the D4 state (tournament),” Holmes said. When reflecting on the season and the match, Holmes was thrilled with his team. “I’m very proud of our boys. They could have folded when down 2-0, but they fought their way back and gave themselves chances,” Holmes said. “Things look bright for next year with nine starters returning and a very strong junior class, but we will miss our seniors. Braydan, Brennan and Rhead were all great contributors and leaders on the team.”