Wausau West edges Marshfield in Wisconsin Valley Conference boys soccer opener

Marshfield's Jake Limmex moves past the Wausau West defense during the Tigers' 1-0 loss on Tuesday at Griese Park in Marshfield. (Photo by Paul Lecker/MarshfieldAreaSports.com)
Marshfield’s Jake Limmex moves past the Wausau West defense during the Tigers’ 1-0 loss on Tuesday at Griese Park in Marshfield. (Photo by Paul Lecker/MarshfieldAreaSports.com)

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MarshfieldAreaSports.com

MARSHFIELD – Time after time, the Marshfield boys soccer team moved the ball in front of Wausau West’s net during Tuesday’s Wisconsin Valley Conference game at Griese Park. And, time after time, the Tigers were denied.

Wausau West scored the game’s only goal with 40 seconds remaining in the first half and made it hold up, beating Marshfield 1-0 in the Valley opener for both teams.

West goalkeeper Sam Wiegert made 11 saves, many on shots from point-blank range, to save the game for the Warriors (1-2 overall).

“There was only that one shot that really tested our keeper, otherwise they were pretty routine saves,” Marshfield coach Ron Todryk said. “We put their keeper through a tough test and he made some nice, outstanding saves. I have to say you have to give him credit for keeping them ahead in this game.”

Hunter Kuehl scored the lone goal after his shot from 20 yards bounced off Marshfield goalkeeper Matt Brown and rolled into the net just before halftime. Brown finished with nine saves.

Marshfield had numerous opportunities to score, especially in the second half, peppering Wiegert with shots. Wiegert had three saves in the final minute and Marshfield hit some part of the goal on three other occasions in the final 20 minutes, but couldn’t get the ball into the net.

“We were getting the balls through,” Todryk said. “Our patience…we’re shooting a little bit early on some and waiting too long on others. Hopefully that will come around when they get used to playing their positions.”

Marshfield (1-2 overall) has no time to rest, playing a nonconference game at home Wednesday against Tomah and a WVC game at Wausau East on Thursday. Both games start at 5 p.m.

Warriors 1, Tigers 0
Wausau West 1 0 – 1
Marshfield 0 0 – 0
First half:
1. Hunter Kuehl (ua), 39:20.
Saves: WW, Sam Wiegert 11; M, Matt Brown 9.
Records: Wausau West 1-2, 1-0 Wisconsin Valley Conference; Marshfield 1-2, 0-1 Wisconsin Valley Conference.