Warriors fall to Bemidji, end season

Through 90 minutes of play Saturday the Brainerd Warriors and Bemidji Lumberjacks boys' soccer teams were locked at a score of 2-2.

Next was an intense shootout that would advance one team and end the other's season.

The Warriors and Lumberjacks traded goals until Bemidji secured the victory on the ninth kick.

The Section 8-2A quarterfinals loss was a difficult one to swallow for Brainerd as it fell one game short of its second consecutive 10-win season.

Coach Cahil Collins said the loss was not due to a lack of effort on his team's part.

Warriors 2,

Bemidji 3

The key: Brainerd battled with higher-seeded Bemidji through overtime , but were outshot in the shootout where the Warriors hit two of five shots while the Lumberjacks went four of five.

Overall: Brd, 9-7-1

"It was tough, but that was a very well-played game by both teams," he said. "I thought we controlled the tempo and time of possession especially in the second half and overtime. We had the better opportunities, but we didn't capitalize."

The Warriors got on the board first in Saturday's contest with a Joe Nelson goal assisted by Ethan Nichols in the second minute. The Lumberjacks responded with a goal of their owl in the 18th minute.

Brainerd again struck first in the second half with a goal in the 48th minute by Chris Nathan before Bemidji countered with a goal in the 58th minute.

The two teams were held scoreless through the overtime period.

Brian Sexton connected on the second shot of the shootout for the Warriors while Gil Millette put in the fourth kick.

But it wasn't enough for the Warriors, as the Lumberjacks put in four of their five shootout kicks.

Collins said the team ended the season on a high note both in play and effort in the difficult loss.

"I was quite happy with the level of play," he said. "We were down afterwards, but the team rebounded quickly because we know we played a quality game."

Brainerd 1 1 0 - 2

Bemidji 1 1 0 - 2

First half: (Brd) Joe Nelson (Assist Ethan Nichols) 2nd min., (Bmj) 18th min.

Second half: (Brd) Chris Nathan 48th min., (Bmj) 58th min.

Overtime: No scoring

Shootout: Bmj-miss, Brd-miss, Bmj-made, Brd-Brain Sexton goal, Bmj-made, Brd-miss, Bmj-made, Brd-Gil Millette goal, Bmj-made

Shots on goal: Brd, 4-4-4-12 Bmj, 5-8-2-15

Goalkeepers: Brd-Sexton (13 saves), Bmj-(10 saves)

TY RUSHMEYER can be reached at ty.rushmeyer@brainerddispatch.com or at 855-5865.