Renner Shines in Shutout as Comets Blank Otters
In a homecoming soccer showdown, the HLA Boys Soccer Team traveled across town to take on their friends and rivals, the Fergus Falls Otters. The Comets secured a solid 2-0 victory to start the Homecoming sports festivities.
Around the 21-minute mark, Fergus Falls mounted a counterattack, catching the Comets a bit out of position. But the Comets' sophomore central midfielder, Drew Fischer, reacted quickly. He hustled back, broke up the Otters' play, and then swiftly passed the ball to Zane Holmquist. Holmquist delivered a precision pass to Senior Captain Abram Ness, who found the back of the net, giving the Comets a 1-0 lead for the first half.
In the second half, 24 minutes in, Abram Ness struck again. This time, he capitalized on a high-bouncing ball just outside the Otter 18-yard box, firing a left-footed shot that sailed into the net, extending the Comets' lead to 2-0.
Despite being outshot by the Otters, who managed nine shots on goal, the Comets held their own. Freshman goalkeeper Franki Renner was stellar, recording his second shutout of the season and securing the Comet net.
On the offensive side, the Comets fired off eight shots, showing improvement in their attack as the season continues..
Coach Rod Jensen boasted of his team's performance. He emphasized the significant growth seen in the young players, especially sophomores Caleb Holm, Kian Stender, and Lincoln Nash, who provided valuable support against a skilled Otter attack. The defensive line, led by Max Anderson, Senior Captain Noah Bjorndahl, and Soren Floden, was solid and greatly assisted Renner in the shutout.
The Comets continued their winning streak in the JV match, defeating the Otters 6-2. The goal scorers for the JV team included Will Selvig with a direct free kick, EJ Cho, Niko Mahori with two goals, and Davi Diniz with two goals.
With this victory, the Comets improved their record to 6-5-1 and are eagerly looking forward to redeeming their first-game loss when they face the EGF GreenWave this Thursday at Danielsen Field.