Lakenheath senior Jovan Paucar defends the ball during a game against Wiesbaden on April 6, 2024 in Wiesbaden, Germany. (Bradley Latham/Stars and Stripes)
WIESBADEN, Germany – Tactics and ball control were decisive factors Saturday as the Warriors boys soccer team secured their first win of the season over Lakenheath.
Coming off a second-place finish in last year’s championship and a disappointing loss to Ramstein two weeks ago to open the season, senior co-captains Nicholas Truchon and Jacob Goodman said the Warriors came game into the game against the Lancers ready to make a statement. Wiesbaden eventually did so with a 5-0 victory.
The urge to prove themselves may have gotten the best of the squad early in the first half, though. Truchon said it took a bit of time for the team to settle in and focus on their short passing and game plan.
“Starting the game, we weren’t doing too well at that,” Truchon said. “We were forcing it up the field a lot and just sending long balls... but we slowed it down. We executed in the second half, and I think it showed on the scoreboard.”
Wiesbaden's Robert Dugandzic shoots on goal against Lakenheath in Wiesbaden, Germany on April 6, 2024. Dugandzic scored the goal in the second half. (Bradley Latham/Stars and Stripes)
Lakenheath freshman Alexander Davis traps the ball during a game against Wiesbaden on April 6, 2024 in Wiesbaden, Germany. (Bradley Latham/Stars and Stripes)
Lakenheath goalkeeper Matthew Vasquez catches the ball during a game against Wiesbaden on April 6, 2024 in Wiesbaden, Germany. (Bradley Latham/Stars and Stripes)
Wiesbaden's Ante Dugandzic crosses the ball past Lakenheath junior Rylen Pontemayor during a game in Wiesbaden on April 6, 2024. (Bradley Latham/Stars and Stripes)
Wiesbaden team captain Jacob Goodman finishes a shot on goal against Lakenheath in Wiesbaden, Germany on April 6, 2024. Goodman scored a goal during the game. (Bradley Latham/Stars and Stripes)
Lakenheath’s defense and awareness from sophomore goalkeeper Matthew Vasquez were able to stifle Wiesbaden for most of the first half, despite three Wiesbaden corner kicks in the first 15 minutes.
Eventually, Wiesbaden broke through with a goal in the 26th minute from Brady Blake.
Wiesbaden widened the margin early in the second half with a powerful strike from Goodman in the 48th minute.
“I saw the little bit of space that I had and took the shot. I swung around so hard that I landed right on my back and knocked the wind out of me,” Goodman said. “I didn’t even see it go in. I just heard everyone go crazy, and I’m just happy I got one up there.”
With space to operate, the Warriors controlled the tempo for the rest of the game with goals in the 69th, 74th, and 79th minutes.
Truchon said the Warriors are ready to claim the championship this year, and the key to their success is in tactics that differ from most other teams.
“A lot of DODEA teams like to play the long ball down the wings and cross in,” Truchon said. “That’s gonna be one of our strong suits this year, because we don’t play like every other team.”
“We know we’re good individually on the ball,” Goodman said. “The possession game is what we want... that’s how we win games.”
Wiesbaden senior Esperanza Munoz attempts a pass against Lakenheath's Hailey Buchanan in Wiesbaden, Germany on April 6, 2024. Munoz scored Wiesbaden's only goal in the tie against Lakenheath. (Bradley Latham/Stars and Stripes)
Lakenheath's Emily Blanke attempts to clear the ball during a game against Wiesbaden on April 6, 2024 in Wiesbaden, Germany. (Bradley Latham/Stars and Stripes)
Wiesbaden's Maira Valdez dribbles the ball down the field during a game against Lakenheath on April 6, 2024 in Wiesbaden, Germany. (Bradley Latham/Stars and Stripes)
Wiesbaden goalkeeper Lorelei Kemmer positions herself for a save against Lakenheath striker Skye Flynn on April 6, 2024 in Wiesbaden, Germany. (Bradley Latham/Stars and Stripes)
Girls
Tactics were just as, if not more important, in the second game of the day as the Warriors and Lancers finished in a 1-1 tie.
Wiesbaden pushed the pace early with aggression down the wings and a goal from senior Esperanza Munoz on the edge of the box off a corner kick in the fifth minute.
“It was a perfect setup from my team,” Munoz said. “We did it in practice, and it was done perfectly in the game.”
Despite the early goal, Lakenheath remained steadfast and kept the ball on Wiesbaden’s side of the field.
Lancer coach Jose Pumarejo said the team needed time to adjust to lineup changes caused by a key player’s absence coming into the game.
“I had to move players around, and anytime I do that, they start very rocky,” Pumarejo said. “But, we were controlling most of the game. We just haven’t polished the shooting part yet.”
The Lancers had multiple shots on goal throughout the first half but couldn’t capitalize.
“My defensive line showed their true colors today by holding it down in the back,” said first year Wiesbaden coach Tab Wildermuth. “Our goalie was phenomenal.”
Patience and halftime adjustments helped Lakenheath answer in the second half with a one-touch goal from midfielder Aylissa Salinas.
“I told them, continue doing what you’re doing and it’s going to come at one time or another,” Pumarejo said. “That’s exactly what happened. [Salinas] took that ball – one touch shot, which is what we’ve been practicing.”
Wiesbaden couldn’t take back the lead.
“I think we just got fatigued,” Munoz said. “We’re definitely going to be working on endurance more.”
Both coaches are confident moving toward the championship this season. Lakenheath finished second and Wiesbaden fourth a year ago.
“I am proud of my girls,” Pumarejo said. “This is all preparation to win the whole thing.”
Wildermuth said the skill and hard work from the team has helped ease her fears as a first-year coach, and the Warriors are ready to prove themselves.
“Today just goes to show everyone that Wiesbaden is not the same team that we had last year,” she said. “We’re a team that’s determined, ready to play, and from here it’s nothing but improvement.”
