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MARSHFIELD – Marshfield boys soccer coach Ron Todryk had been miffed following some recent games where obvious letdowns cost the Tigers a chance at victory. Following Thursday’s game, Todryk had a much different opinion.
Wausau West scored early goals in each half and cemented the victory with a goal with just under 10 minutes left to beat Marshfield 4-2 at Griese Park. However, it was one of the better-played games this season by the Tigers, according to their coach.
“We were in the game – it was probably the most complete game we played all year,” Todryk said. “They are starting to trust each other. We are used to playing with each other and starting to function as a team out there.”
West took a 1-0 lead when Elliott Marquardt scored 2:54 into the game. Marshfield responded on a goal by Eli Oba at the 13:25 mark only to see the Warriors pull ahead again when Marquardt scored 50 seconds later.
West took the 2-1 lead into halftime and came out firing right away to start the second half. Nate Condon scored an unassisted goal 34 seconds into the second half to pull ahead 3-1.
Marshfield stuck with its game-plan and Nick Guzowski scored on an assist from Colin Telin at 63:52, to bring the Tigers within a goal with 16 minutes to play.
Todryk said the Tigers’ teamwork on what would be their final goal of the game shows him his team is coming together.
“Colin Telin made a perfect pass to Nick and he knocked it in in the lower right-hand corner,” Todryk said. “It was set up by five other passes that came through the midfield, starting with the defenders. It was beautiful to watch. These kids are finally putting their passing together.”
The goal gave the Tigers a chance to knock off the Wisconsin Valley Conference co-leaders, but West was able to ice the win when Marquardt completed a hat trick with 9:43 left in the game.
Despite another loss, Marshfield’s seventh in its last eight games, Todryk said the Tigers aren’t showing any signs of giving up on the season.
“They are definitely working hard in practice and in games,” he said. “I keep falling back on that we have such a young team. We put together 20 good minutes here and there, but getting all 80 minutes together … it takes time for players to mature.”
Marshfield hosts a triangular tournament Saturday, playing at noon and 4 p.m. at Griese Park.
Warriors 4, Tigers 2
Wausau West 2 2 – 4
Marshfield 1 1 – 2
First half: 1. W, Elliott Marquardt (Ryan Condon) 2:54; 2. M, Eli Oba (Matt McCann) 13:25; 3. W, Marquardt (Matt Bautsch) 14:15.
Second half: 4. W, Condon (unassisted), 40:34; 5. M, Nick Guzowski (Colin Telin) 63:52; 6. W, Marquardt (Condon) 70:17.
Saves: M, Matt Brown 2, Erik Holm 4. W, Philip Kraft 7.
Records: Wausau West 7-2, 6-1 Wisconsin Valley; Marshfield 4-8-2, 2-5 Wisconsin Valley.