Hastings boys soccer broke through for its first win of the season Thursday, Sept. 10, earning a gritty 1-0 victory at Tartan before following it with a 9-0 win over Mankato Loyola on Saturday.
The Raiders had to battle for every opportunity against Tartan, with scoring chances limited on both ends. Hastings goalkeeper Michael Wenisch came up with several aggressive saves to keep the Titans off the scoreboard.
The only goal came late in the second half when Parker Geib scored on a free kick started by Cole Harder, giving Hastings the lead it needed to secure its first victory.
Coach Jamie Swanson said the Raiders' team defense was among the biggest differences.
“I thought our team defending was probably the best,” Swanson said. “A lot of times, we'll leave the player that's pressuring the ball hanging. We had pressure cover all over the field. Everybody was engaged in the marking.”
Swanson said Hastings was also more patient with the ball, which helped the Raiders create opportunities.
“When we're patient and we weren't jittery with the ball, we were doing what we've been training, which is finding the angles, finding the spaces where we can break defensive lines and do splits,” Swanson said. “I'm looking for more because there's always room for improvement. But tonight we'll take it for sure.”
The Raiders then traveled to Mankato on Saturday and defeated Mankato Loyola 9-0. No individual statistics from the match were available.
Hastings continues its schedule Thursday, Sept. 17, at South St. Paul at 7 p.m. The Raiders host Chanhassen at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, Hill-Murray at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22, and North St. Paul at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24.