Season Ends in Heartbreak Shoot-Out

One single goal. That was all it came down to in the intense shootout at the Rider Raider’s Region I-4A sectional round playoff game against Denton Guyer. The Raider’s 1-0 shootout loss was a devastating way to end their outstanding season. Rider had control of the game and out worked the Wildcats, but simply did not finish out on the handful of opportunities they had throughout the game.

“We peaked at just the right time of the season, and everything was looking good for a good run to state,” junior Chase Roberts said. “That’s why the loss was so disappointing.”

There is much to be said of the Raider’s defense, and holding a team to no goals in a hundred minutes of soccer reflects well of Andrew Goldstein, Tyler Howard, Nick Oechsner and Patrick Barker. The solid senior defense held Guyer to a scoreless game up until the time of the shootout. Senior Dylan Hillard also had an impressive four saves in the goal, making big contributions to the game.

Come time for the shootout sophomore Drake Szczepinski took his place in the goal, and allowed Guyer to score on their first two attempts during the shootout. Although senior Josh Findlay missed the Raider’s first attempt, Howard and Oechsner replied by each getting a goal past Guyer’s Brewer. Guyer’s next two rounds came unanswered as Szczepinski came up with two stops to keep it tied at two. Going into the fourth round tied after Harrison Howard’s goal was denied, Guyer came up with a goal in the fifth round, making it a score-or-go-home situation for Rider’s final attempt at keeping the game alive. Barker gave it his all, but unfortunately came up short, leaving the game at 3-2, and giving Guyer the win and advancement in the playoffs.

Although a very disappointing loss, it was accompanied by a valiant effort by the Raiders and their 15 seniors’ very last game as Raiders.

“They were each one of a kind, bringing something different to the team,” Roberts said. “I’ve learned a lot from them and they have been the best part of soccer for all three years I had with them.”

Roberts feels they have been great leaders, and even more importantly “better friends”. They will definitely be missed.

Raiders Storm Saginaw

The Raiders entered their first playoff game against the Saginaw Rough Riders with the goal of “scoring early and often.” They did just that in their 5-1 win.

All five of the goals from Rider came in the first half. Senior Josh Findlay set the pace of the game with the first three goals, one off a penalty kick.

“We came up ready,” senior Cash Fields said. “We played pretty solid but I wish we didn’t allow that one goal, but that’s all right.”

Soon after Fields subbed in he landed his goal of the night. Sophomore Nathan Van De Vyvere scored the 5th goal of Rider. Senior Aaron Kurtz and junior Chase Roberts each recorded an assist on the night.

“This team — we’re really tight and really close,” Fields said. “It’s been a blessing.”

Senior Signs with College

The score is tied. With the game on the line he drives the ball down-field. Heart pumping with adrenaline as he shakes past a defender. Now the only obstacle in his way of the game winning goal is wearing a long sleeve shirt, a different jersey than his teammates, and a pair of gloves. He takes the shot. The crowd cheers with excitement as the ball finds its way to the back of the net. The Dalmatians win.

Since the days of enjoying sliced oranges after his game or getting the routine McDonalds on the drive home, Aaron Kurtz has had the dream of playing soccer his whole life. His dream continues as of Feb. 25 when he signed with Wayland Baptist University.

“My goal is to get a higher education, play soccer, and survive college,” Kurtz said.  “I think college soccer will be better.”

Kurtz currently plays soccer for Rider and competitively with Express Soccer.

“I always seem to enjoy competitive more because you surrounded by people who want to be out there,” Kurtz said. “I’m not saying high school kids don’t want to play but people out there have to pay, so they are actually trying.”

Kurtz’s parents support him in his chosen plans.

“My mom is really excited,” Kurtz said. “She just can’t wait to see me play some college ball.”

Kurtz hopes to be a starter by the beginning of his Sophomore year.

“The coaches there are really cool,” Kurtz said. “If you work your butt off, you’ll get to play.”

As the days near, Kurtz’s dreams get closer and closer.

“I love it all,” Kurtz said. “When you get a sweet goal or something and the crowd goes wild — it’s just amazing.”

Boys soccer undefeated and uncontested in district play

The Rider Raiders Boys soccer team is undefeated as they’ve kicked off district play possessing a record of (9-0-1).

The Raiders most recent game came against the Decatur Eagles in district play, their second game in as many days as the Raiders were looking to stay unbeaten. Josh Findlay scored 15 minutes into the game assisted by Sawyer Horton and it proved to be the only goal of the game as the Raiders claimed a 1-0 decision over the Eagles. Dylan Hillard, who has allowed only three goals all year, shutout the Eagles in the first 60 minutes then Drake Svcvepinski came into the game and kept the Eagles from evening the score. The shutout is Hillard’s 7th of the year.

“Were in a fight with complacency and were losing,” said Coach Josh Hill. “This game shouldn’t been as close as it was.”

The day before the Raiders took on Decatur, they took on crosstown district rival the Hirschi Huskies in a decisive battle of district contenders. The game had originally been scheduled for the previous Friday, but the area snowstorm pushed the game’s date to the following Monday.
Fresh off an extended siesta, the Raiders were rested and ready to take on the Hirschi Huskies. The Raiders jumped out to an early lead and didn’t look back as they had no trouble handling the Huskies as the Raiders raced past Hirschi by a score of 5-0. Goalkeeper Dylan Hillard recorded his 6th shutout of the year and Drake Svcvepinski played the second half and shutout the Huskies.

“Defense has really been the strength of our team,” Hill said.
“It’s always good to have options at goalie so if something happens the backup has varsity experience,” said Hill of his Goalie’s Dylan Hillard and Drake Svcvepinski.

A few days earlier the Raiders hosted district opponent Burkburnett looking to improve their unbeaten record. The Raiders had no problem doing that as they handed the struggling Bulldogs a 4-0 district loss. Tyler Howard scored twice in the first half, one on a free kick and another assisted by Seth Lyons who also scored to give the Raiders a 3-0 halftime lead. In the second half Nick Oechsner connected on a free kick that put the game well out of reach as the Raiders got the win by a score of 4-0. Rider goalkeeper Dylan Hillard recorded the shutout in the first half and in the second half Drake Svcvepinski preserved the shutout eliminating any comeback thoughts the bulldogs had in mind

“Lots of players got experience and playing time,” said Coach Josh Hill. “It’s always good to score early it breaks down your opponents hope.”

The Raiders had opened up their district schedule against the Leopards of Gainesville High School with district champion expectations. The Raiders took the first step in that direction as they had no trouble handling the Leopards by prevailing in an uncontested 4-0 victory.
Josh Findlay and Tyler Howard each scored in the first half half then Sawyer Horton and Cash Fields scored in the second half to put the game away. Chase Roberts, Ryan Castelli, Harrison Howard, and Josh Findlay each notched an assist for the Raiders. On the defensive end goalkeeper Dylan Hillard shutout the Leopards in the first half, then backup goalkeepers Drake Svcvepinski and Logan Spence, in a combined effort, blanked the Leopards in the second half for the shutout.

“Our offense has struggled. We’ve had chances but just haven’t connected,” said Hill.