This story is sponsored by Forward Financial Bank
By Paul Lecker
MarshfieldAreaSports.com
MARSHFIELD – For nearly 85 minutes, the Marshfield and Pulaski boys soccer teams played to a standstill.
Neither team was able to mount much of an offensive attack as the WIAA Division 2 regional final looked to be headed to extra time. That was until the one kick changed the course of the game.
Marshfield senior Ethan Leischow knocked in a goal with 5:27 remaining for the game’s only goal and the Tigers won 1-0 on Saturday afternoon at Griese Park.
The Tigers’ victory avenges a loss to Pulaski in last year’s sectional semifinal, and pushes Marshfield into this year’s sectional round. Marshfield (12-7-3) play at Ashwaubenon (16-5-2) on Thursday at 6 p.m. Marshfield and Ashwaubenon tied 2-2 in a nonconference game at Ashwaubenon last month.
“We had our share of corner kicks in the first half that we didn’t take advantage of, and in the second half they might have outplayed us,” Marshfield coach Steve McCann said. “Our usual game of pass it around was tough because it so was tight in there. Ethan snuck that one in. We’re fortunate.”
With time running down, the Tigers tried to put the pressure on Pulaski. Marshfield had a few scoring opportunities, but couldn’t get one on goal as the clocked ticked under 10 minutes. Finally, Leischow was able to nail the game-winner off a header by sophomore Kade McManus.
“I saw the cross and Kade McManus was in position to head the ball,” Leischow said. “I was positioning myself back toward the defenders. I just trapped it, turned and shot it and hoped for the best. When that went in my heart just stopped, I couldn’t believe it.
“It was pretty even. Their defense was strong and so is ours. It was going back and forth and we were finally able to put one in. It feels great.”
Tigers 1, Raiders 0
Pulaski 0 0 – 0
Marshfield 0 1 – 1
Second half: 1. M, Ethan Leischow (Kade McManus), 84:33.
Shots on goal: Pulaski 3; Marshfield 5.
Corner kicks: Pulaski 2; Marshfield 12.
Saves: Pulaski 4; M, Jared Klein 3.
Records: Pulaski 9-8-6; Marshfield 12-7-3.