Soccer roundup: Detroit Lakes boys and girls pick up wins over Sauk Rapids-Rice

SAUK RAPIDS – It was a good night for the Detroit Lakes soccer teams in their battles with Sauk Rapids-Rice.

The Laker boys went on the road to beat the Storm 5-1 behind four goals in the second half. Bryce Skaaland broke the 1-1 tie in the 48th minute, followed by a goal from Noah Meyer to give Detroit Lakes a two-goal lead nine minutes later.

David Giambellini knocked in a pair of goals in the 59th and 76 minutes to put the Lakers ahead 5-1. Ethan Gjerde started the scoring with a goal in the sixth minute. Evan Thomas made six saves in goal for the Lakers.

Detroit Lakes is now 7-4 on the season after beating Sauk Rapids-Rice, including three wins in its last four matches. The Lakers have allowed just one goal in each of those three wins.

Head coach Justin Weglietner added that Thursday night’s win was even more impressive due to the size of the field. Sauk Rapids-Rice hosted the game on a 105 by 55-yard pitch compared to the Lakers’ 130 by 80-yard surface at the Rotary Soccer Complex.

Haydon King scored a pair of goals for the Detroit Lakes girls soccer team in the first half, which was enough to knock off Sauk Rapids-Rice at home.

King found the back of the net in the seventh and 35th minutes to put the Lakers ahead 2-0. The Storm got one back in the final eight minutes but couldn’t find the equalizer. Elle Bettcher made 13 saves in goal for Detroit Lakes.

“I saw a lot of grit,” Lakers’ head coach Ben Aastuen said. “The old Varsity coach, Dave Carter, put a lot of stock in grit. He would’ve been proud of how we held it together. When you are down two goals, you send everything you’ve got at the opposition and that’s what Sauk Rapids-Rice did. They were pressuring all passes immediately and gave our girls no time to breathe. Despite this, we held together as a team and came out positively. I’m so proud of the Laker girls soccer team and the grit they showed our town.”

Thursday night was the first time the Lakers played a home game in six matches. They are now 4-6 on the season heading down the home stretch of the season.

“It is so good to be home,” Aastuen said. “Thanks to all the friends, family and fans that came out. They really cheered us on and lifted our spirits. I definitely felt a lot of Laker pride seeing everyone out there, especially braving the chilly night that we got.”