Boys soccer: Ponies fall short against East Ridge, Minnetonka

WOODBURY — After allowing more than one goal in a game just once in its first eight games, Stillwater were unable to avoid consequences after some defensive lapses in losses to East Ridge and Minnetonka.

The Ponies (2-2-1 SEC, 5-3-2) were unable to hold a first-half lead while falling to East Ridge 2-1 in a Suburban East Conference game on Tuesday, Sept. 24 at East Ridge High School.

Jamir Espana put Stillwater in front with an assist from James Guzman midway through the first half, but the Raptors evened the score 11 minutes later.

Then in the second half, East Ridge struck again for the game-winner with about nine minutes remaining. Goalkeeper Landon Huber made the initial save on the penalty kick, but Stillwater was unable to clear the rebound.

“We just had two moments where we weren’t paying attention defensively,” Ponies coach Jake Smothers said. “Much like most of our games, we were in control of the game the way we wanted to be in control of it, but two defensive mistakes cost us.

Stillwater took 22 shots, compared to eight for the Raptors (2-3-1, 4-6-1), but was unable to notch another goal.

“We had three or four really good chances, but their goalkeeper made some really good saves and we just failed to take advantage of the chances that we created.”

Stillwater 1 0 — 1

East Ridge 1 1 — 2

St — 20:00 — Jamir Espana (James Guzman)

ER — 31:00 — NA

ER — 71:00 — NA

Minnetonka 5, Stillwater 1At Minnetonka, pleased with Stillwater’s play throughout most of the first half, a late goal turned the tide quickly as the Ponies fell to the third-ranked Skippers 5-1 in a nonconference game on Saturday, Sept. 21 at SAHS.

A misplay with the ball by Stillwater led to the Skippers striking with about a minute remaining in the first half.

“We made a mistake with the ball at our feet and they scored,” Ponies coach Jake Smothers said. “That led us to have to change things going into the second half and we didn’t respond.”

Minnetonka (10-1-1) also scored twice in the first 10 minutes of the second half and eventually built a four-goal cushion.

Noah Izquierdo finished with three goals for the Skippers, who also received a goal each from Liam Krengel and Eric Detjen.

“Minnetonka is a very good team,” Smothers said.

Minnetonka 1 4 — 5

Stillwater 0 1 — 1