Booters keep 5-0 winning streak alive

By Trevor Keiser
Leader Staff Writer
The Wildcat soccer team continues to dominate the field by keeping their 5-0 win streak alive and staying 2-0 in the OAA Blue after defeating Harrison 3-1 on Sept. 4
Oxford got two first-half goals from senior captain Emmanuel Ibarra on a penalty kick and another goal from junior Devan DeJong on an assist from junior Greg Knox. Harrison scored on a free-kick that was served late in the first half.? The first half ended with a 2-1 score.?
The second half was ‘just as intense with physical and solid play from both sides,? according to Coach John Thaler.
Oxford maintained control and composure and sealed the win with another goal from DeJong, with Knox adding another assist, to finish the game at 3-1.?
Earlier in the week, the Wildcats also beat out Holly, which ended in a 5-0 match.
First-half goals came from Devon DeJong with an assist from Noah Skrzycki and the second goal was scored by Emmanuel Ibarra with an assist by Skrzycki. In the second half, Ibarra pounded another one in with an assist from Skrzcki.
Skrzycki then scored with an assist from Ibarra. Christian Biolchini kicked the final goal unassisted.
The game was not only a highlight for the season, but for Thaler, who is in his 13th season as the varsity coach. The win marked the 150th victory of his career.
‘I actually came upon the info’as a current’player was asking about the history of the program. I had all the stats at home and compiled it for him. It was then that I realized it,? Thaler said.
‘A few players had heard that I was getting it together, so I mentioned it to them as well.’Needless to say I was taken aback as I really didn’t think too much about it. With the three years coaching the girls, too,’it’s 177 total (wins) between both programs.?
The boys will travel to Swartz Creek Thursday at 4:30 p.m. to face the Dragons before coming home September 12 to take on Rochester.
The game will begin at 7 p.m. at Wildcat Stadium.