Lutheran North starts district play with win
After a season of stops and starts, Anchor Bay is off and running in the state soccer tournament.
Tanner Hodgson and Carson Hodgson had a goal and two assists apiece Wednesday night to spark the Tars to a 5-0 victory over Chippewa Valley in a Division 1 district opener on the Big Reds’ field.
Anchor Bay got back into action last week after a COVID-19 quarantine period. The Tars returned from the layoff in time to post a couple of victories in an undefeated run through the MAC Red Division schedule.
The start of the season was delayed for the Tars and other
because of concerns over the pandemic.
“With the uncertainty of COVID this season, we kept a green light mentality by staying positive and not focusing on the negatives,” coach Nate Williams said. “We focused on the positives that willmake us better every day and further down the road.”
Anchor Bay went 7-0-0 for 21 points in an abbreviated Red Division schedule. There were six teams in the Red, so a normal schedule would have called for Anchor Bay to play
10 division matches. No one played more than eight. Eisenhower went 4-1-3 for 15 points to finish second.
“We were able to accomplish our goal of winning the MAC Red with teamwork, good team chemistry, leadership, and being mentally strong,” Williams said. “We have a talented team but it was important that we played as a team and took care of each other as a family. The team felt we had something to prove or unfinished business form last year and with this being our first year back in the MAC Red we were on a mission.
“It’s a great group of boys that works hard, has fun and pushes each other to be their best every day. They always have Tar Pride. There aren’t enough words to express how proud we are of this team. There has been so much enjoyment coaching, being around and watching a wonderful group of young men.”
Anchor Bay is in its second stint in the Red Division. This is the program’s first Red championship.
Evan Linsley made four saves in the victory over Chippewa Valley. Salvatore DiLorenzo, Jake Ursitti and Ethen Welchner had a goal apiece. Tommy Mittelstadt had an assist.
Zack Slezak, Kian Collins, Tommy Stackpoole, Kiet Thammavongsa, Ryan Glinski and Johnny Newlin played well on defense, Williams said.
The Tars play L’Anse Creuse in a district semifinal at 5 p.m. Monday at Chippewa Valley.