Lutheran's Soccer Season Ends With District Loss

When it comes time for post-season, a prep soccer team needs a player who can score in clutch situations. 

And Elsberry Indians’ freshman Ben Rhoades came through big on Tuesday against the Cougars in the first round of the Class 1, District 6 Tournament at Christian High School in O’Fallon. Rhoades scored one goal in the first half and then added another in the second half in the 2-0 win for Elsberry. 

“I just wanted to make sure we got a win and could get to the final,” Rhoades said.  

Rhoades struck the first time with 10:23 left to play in the first half. He was just feet from the goal when he fired off a shot that was blocked by Lutheran goalie Ryan Purdy. Just moments later Rhoades received a second chance and his next shot landed in the back of the net. 

“He did a very good job for us today,” Indian coach Shannon Wells said. “He’s only a freshman but will do well for us over the next few years.” 

Wells said Rhoades’ first goal was an icebreaker. 

“We came out a little flat and didn’t have a lot of energy,” he said. “It was almost as if they didn’t care to be there. I had a little discussion with them at halftime. We knew he had to go out and get that second goal. We just couldn’t play from a defensive standpoint and maintain the lead.”   

The freshman scored again just five minutes into the second half. Once again, he was close to the goal when he fired off a shot. The ball hit the top of the goal and then few inside the goal.

Wells felt his team’s offense played with more continuity in the second half.  

“We were passing the ball pretty well,” he said. “It helps when you get that lead. It forces them to play with more of a reckless attitude to try and score. So, it opens things up for us.” 

The Indians continued to challenge the Cougars after the second goal. Elsberry controlled the flow of play, as it put six more shots on goal while Lutheran just had two. 

The Cougars showed some life early in the contest, as it had two shots on goal in the first 20 minutes while Elsberry had one.

“We had some chances and we also had to make adjustments throughout the game,” Cougar coach Brad Beekman said. “We had to try some formations that we are not familiar with. I thought our guys played hard and Elsberry came out and did what they needed to do.” 

Beekman said that having to play without senior captain Kevin Schmelder affected his team’s performance. 

Lutheran finishes the season with a 4-14 mark. Elsberry improves to 9-14. The Indians will play Christian High School on Thursday at 4 p.m. in the next round of district play.