Bell piles up goals for Flyers

In five World Cup games, the United States women's team has scored 12 goals.

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It took Eric Bell just three games to get eight.

The sophomore for the Little Falls boys' soccer team started his week with four goals against Willmar Oct. 1. He scored two in each half to lead the Flyers to a 5-1 Central Lakes Conference win.

His first goal came on a rebound. For his second, he volleyed a corner kick from teammate Chad Kofoed. The third also was from a corner kick but the sophomore used his head to penetrate the goal. The fourth one was a shot outside, which nicked the goal and ricocheted past the goalie.

"He gets a lot of his goals on headers," said Flyers coach and Eric's mother, Dr. Julie Bell. "He gets a majority of them from corner kicks or crossing passes.

"He's got good size and can get up and find the ball and then the back of the net. He's taken advantage of free kicks for a couple of his goals. He can score off the dribble. But the majority of them have come off headers."

In a 3-3 tie with St. Cloud Cathedral Oct. 3, Bell snagged all three Flyer goals in the second half. All three were assisted by Kofoed. His last goal came with 1:30 left.

"Our whole team was playing well at that moment," Bell said of the second half. "Everyone was passing well. Chad and I were just in a zone together.

"We know where we are and what moves we're going to do and where we're going to pass the ball."

Bell scored again, Oct. 7 in a 4-3 overtime victory over St. John's Prep. He added two assists including one on Chris Roach's game-winner.

This is the midfielder's third year of varsity soccer. He was the leading goal scorer last year for Little Falls. He says his confidence and his improved ball handling and strength are reasons for his recent goal explosion. "I feel I can beat anyone when the ball is in the air," said Bell. "I can get to the ball without having any problem. I feel I can beat a player one on one, make a move around someone and get to the goalie.

"I can give up the ball and pass to a teammate that is open."

Bell's been playing soccer since kindergarten. He's played competitively since he was 10. Soccer blossomed in Little Falls when the Bell's moved to town.

His mother has coached him through it all. In fact she's still his coach. It's a relationship they both enjoy.

"Coaching your own son can put you in some difficult situations," said Julie Bell. "We try hard to act like a coach and athlete on the field and mother and son off it. He calls me coach, which he should.

"We spend a lot of time together. I think, yes, we have a fairly close relationship."

The younger Bell said he's received ribbing from teammates but added he and his mother go well together.

"She's always there for me," he said. "If I have to ask her a question, it's just nice to have her there.

"Not everyone can go home to their parents and have them know what's going on. It's just a great feeling."

Other notable performances:

Cross country -- Joe Radinovich, Crosby-Ironton, won the Ranger Invitational in 16:14.

Football -- Craig Luberts, Pierz, rushed for 127 yards and five touchdowns and returned a punt for 69 yards against Kimball.

Nick Perpich, C-I, rushed for 121 yards and three touchdowns against Two Harbors.

Tyler Fisher, Verndale, rushed for 169 yards and two scores against Underwood.

Matt Sweere, Wadena-Deer Creek, rushed for 117 yards and a score against Park Rapids.

Soccer -- Jesse Schuety, Lake Region, collected four goals and an assist against Walker-Hackensack-Akeley.