By Murray Gleffe
Correspondent
GREEN BAY – After two straight heart-wrenching losses, the Green Bay Preble boys’ soccer team is back on track to its winning ways.
In its latest rendition, the Hornets stung Green Bay Southwest 8-0 April 20 at Dahlin Family Stadium.
“When you’re trying to build the program, getting multiple guys minutes is a huge bonus,” said Chris Becker, Preble head coach. “We used different sets for players who usually don’t see the field that much.”
In the fifth minute, Brady Bosacki found Sergio Garcia behind the Trojans defense, and he snuck in the first goal at the near post.
Six minutes later, Preble’s Oscar Hernandez put in a second-chance goal, which Southwest goaltender Griffin Borremans couldn’t stop.
In the 20th minute, the visitors opened up a three-goal advantage when Hector Guillen broke away from the defense at midfield and fed a perfect ball to Carter Wiernasz, who punched the ball home.
“At the beginning of the year, we were a bit more selfish,” Becker said. “Our passes are starting to click more on the field. They are seeing the fruits of their labor. We are getting back on track.”
Much of the first half was contested in the Trojans zone, with Southwest at times looking overmatched with its youth.
Time and time again, Borremans had to make saves.
“Griffin got hurt in the first game of the year with bruised ribs,” said Jay Draves, Southwest head coach. “He’s been gutting it out since. He keeps answering the bell every day.”
Later, Zach Ellenbecker put the Hornets up 4-0 after he found the back of the net below the crossbar.
The goal ended a Preble attack which included 14 passes once it gained control of the ball.
Garcia added back-to-back goals near the end of the first half to give him a hat-trick, as the Hornets built a 6-0 lead at intermission.
“We made a little change with Sergio,” said Becker. “We moved him to the center-forward, and he’s taking over games. Guys were able to find him, and he created his shot and finished.”
The Hornets added two quick goals in the first seven minutes of the second half to give them an eight-goal advantage.
“I told our guys at the beginning of the year, the goal was to get to a better point,” Draves said. “When we come back together as a full team in the fall, we’ll look different.”
Southwest recorded its first shot on goal in the 60th minute after Keenan Cruz’s blast barely missed.
The shot was altered by a Preble defender.
“These guys have been building all year long,” said Becker about his backline. “We have three brand new starters from last year. We’re continuing to grow, learn and get cohesiveness back there.”
Both teams went deep into their reserves the final 30 minutes of the contest.
Preble will host Sheboygan South Thursday, April 22, while Southwest will look to get back on track when it entertains Sheboygan North.
“We’re looking to get better heading into the playoffs,” Becker said. “Both conference games we lost were winnable. A few opportunities didn’t go our way, and we came out on the wrong side. These guys are looking forward to playing their best soccer of the season coming up.”
Box score:
Green Bay Preble: 6, 2 — 8
Green Bay Southwest: 0, 0 — 0