(Oakland, IA) – With soccer season kicking off just a few weeks ago, the Riverside Bulldogs have only played two games so far this season. They were able to knock in the first goal of the year in their last game against East Sac County but unfortunately fell 4-1 last Monday. Head Coach Rick Ryun said that his team made extensive improvements in that second game of the season in one of his “happiest losses.”
The difference between the two games was changing the formations on the offensive end. Coach Ryun focused on the basic fundamentals to break things down in the game as they’re working today to break things down to help the kids with those fundamentals. It all comes down to how the offense will flow while following these basic formations.
Riverside is returning an experienced keeper of Kaeden Pleas who averaged around a 78.5% save percentage last season with 153 total saves. His return helps to place Wyatt Bell back on the defensive end after taking the place of goalie throughout the first two games of the season.
With a younger team, comes building confidence and chemistry. Coach Ryun believes that the chemistry builds in games especially given the fans in the stands and the confidence that will continue to build over time. That confidence and chemistry help the team’s offense to flow and for the passes to be on point in games.
This week, Riverside returns to action on Tuesday, April 16th as they’ll take on Missouri Valley and then play on Friday, April 19th at home against Creston. Both Missouri Valley and Riverside will not only be fighting for a conference win on Tuesday but also their first win of the season.
Riverside hosts Missouri Valley on Tuesday, April 16th with the game starting at 7:00 p.m.
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