The MHS soccer team opened up its season by divvying up home and away non-conference match-ups.
An improved Medford squad controlled much of last Tuesday’s contest before winning 5-2.
But Merrill picked up its play in a 1-0 triumph at Mosinee on Thursday.
“We played a more relaxed game, which allowed us to possess the ball and develop our attack,” new Merrill coach Chris Behrens said. “We had multiple opportunities on goal in the first half which were not successful. However we persisted, and scored early in the second half to take the lead.
“Mosinee had their opportunities as well, but with our defense remaining strong we were able to keep them out of the net.”
While solid midfield play kept the control on the Bluejay end, Paul Theorin spearheaded the finishing chances.
“Paul Theorin played a great game, and scored the only goal,” Behrens said. “He created many of our scoring opportunities for the game.
“(Goalkeeper) Nathan Beyer had a great game, with the first shutout of the season. Overall our defense played an outstanding game as well, keeping Mosinee’s opportunities to a minimum. Bryce Litschauer played a utility role throughout the game, moving positions, and aiding in both our attack and defense.”
Medford opener
The visiting Red Raiders parleyed a quick start into their 5-2 triumph.
“The team overall seemed to be nervous about our first game within the first 15 minutes,” Behrens said. “However the leaders on the team were able to step up and regain control of the game.
“We went down early in the game, which frustrated many players, however we continued with our game plan, and were able to score twice. Paul Theorin played a great game while scoring both goals.”
The Red Raiders notched two goals in a span of three minutes by the 16th minute of Tuesday’s match.
Theorin’s sliding kick of a ball pinballing around in the Medford box in the 20th minute cut it to 2-1.
But Medford pushed it back to 3-1 in the 20th minute, then added another goal 54 seconds before halftime to make it 4-1.
Neither team scored for the first 20 minutes of the second half. The Red Raiders broke that ice with a tally in the 61st minute.
Theorin added another goal in the 69th minute to cut the final score to 5-2.