The Becker boys soccer team dropped a pair of games in the past week despite putting together a very competitive half in each game. Unfortunately for the Bulldogs, it was the second half in each game that provided their opponent the momentum to score several goals and put the games out of reach.

Magic

In the 7-1 loss to Monticello last week, Becker had it all tied up at 1-1 after the opening stanza of play before giving up six goals in the second half.

“There’s a reason Monticello was conference champs last year, as they have depth and a very potent offense,” said Coach Nick Crowley. “I was very proud of the way our guys played in the first half – we were patient and went out there with a plan.”

Becker fell behind in the opening minutes of the game, but answered with a Micah Boyer goal to even up the score heading into halftime.

“Micah used his pace to out distance the Monticello defender and kept his composure to slot the ball in the back of the net,” said Crowley, who sang the praises of his Junior Captain. “We were pretty confident at half… but we didn’t go out there with the same energy and Monticello scored in the first five minutes of the second half.”

From there, the Magic poured on the offense to take over the game.

“It was just too much for us to handle,” Crowley said. “The speed and pace they play at, it just overpowered our defense and we lost focus. I wouldn’t be surprised if Monticello won the conference.”

Rockets

In their matchup with Rockford, it was again a strong start for the Bulldogs who went into halftime tied at two before falling 6-2 by the end fo the game.

Both teams played pretty equal in the first 20 minutes of the game, as both had a couple of scoring chances.

Becker took the lead with a ball over the top from Junior Kyle Vogl, who connected with freshmen Tate Salvevold for the first varsity goal of his career. 

“It was great, I was real happy for Tate in that moment – he hustled to create something,” Crowley said.

Unfortunately, one minute later Rockford equalized the score before the Rockets scored again on the 36th minute on a great through ball that split the Bulldog defense once more. 

However, just before half, Salvevold created something again for his team, as Boyer recovered the ball in the attacking third of the pitch and crossed it to the top of the 18. From there, Salvevold took a touch just past the Rockford defender and got tripped in the box – a Penalty Kick was called. Boyer confidently converted the penalty to even it up at 2 just before half.

However, Rockford came out swinging in the second half and they were more physical  and energetic than the Bulldogs.

The Rockets scored in the second minute of the second half and never looked back, scoring three more times: in the 57th, 60th, and 72nd minute of the game.

“It was tough as we put our heads down, we stopped communicating, and we stopped working for each other,” said Crowley.   “We had some bright spots in the first half, but the second half we looked like a completely different team.”