Boys soccer squad bows out in regional final

PORT WASHINGTON –Forward Joel Mentzel pushed in the winning goal at the 77-minute mark of the second half to give the Port Washington Pirates a 1-0 win over the Sheboygan Falls Falcons Thursday, Oct. 15, in the WIAA Division 2 boys soccer regional final game.

The Falls and Port offenses battled through wet conditions making it a very defensive game. It was apparent from the start that final outcome would come down to which team’s defense would break first.

The Falcons finished their season 16-6 overall. Port Washington advances to the sectional semi-final Thursday, Oct. 22, against Grafton.

“We played a great game,” said Falcons coach Jose Hernandez. “These guys gave it their best for 80 minutes, and it was hard to see them lose this the way it happened.”

Falls had a lot of opportunities in the first half, but were turned away by the Pirates’ defense, mainly sweeper R.J. Lange.

On the Falcons’ defensive side, senior goalie Mike Herman and senior Mitch Thimmig kept the Port offense off the board for 77 minutes, with some great saves and stops.

“It was a great game. We had our chances, but couldn’t finish it,” said Herman.

“We’re disappointed now, but this was a great season. Their middle defender was tough,” said senior Lewis Halverson.

“We played the game we had to,” said senior Nathan Brown, a four-year starter. “It was a fun four years as a Falcon. I have a lot of memories.”

Brown referred to when Port defeated Falls 4-0 to end the Falcons’ season last year.

The Falcons offense compiled 10 goals in a 10-1 defeat of the Waupun Warriors Tuesday, Oct. 13.

Senior Dan Duda scored four goals to lead Falls in scoring. Halverson added two goals. Other goals were scored by senior Rickey Haase, Brown, freshman Cody Theobald and Nick Hietela.

Assists were made by Duda, Halverson (two) and junior Russell Preder.