BHS draws even with Sparta

By Pete Watson/News Republic

When the expectations are for victory, a tie simply won't do.

Battling for 80 minutes against a very physical Sparta soccer team, the Baraboo Thunderbirds came back, but couldn't overtake the visitors en route to a 2-2 stalemate on Monday.

"I told the guys afterwards that I thought this was a game we should have won, no doubt about it," said BHS coach Greg Riddell. "I think they know they should have won."

Knotted at 1-1 to start the second half, Sparta found the net just five minutes in — the same way it recorded its first-half score.

"We really only had two mistakes in the backfield, but it cost us two goals," said Riddell. "I don't know if it was lack of focus or lack of determination, but our guys let them slip past us back there."

Controlling most of the action from the outset, Baraboo struggled to convert on numerous scoring chances late in the first half and through the second half. Sparta's strategy of putting eight players in the backfield and near the goalbox clogged the T-Birds passing lanes and limited open looks. However, with 4:40 remaining, BHS forward Jason Krunnfusz booted a high-arcing centering pass in front of the goal that on the initial bounce eluded the Sparta goalkeeper, but not James D'Amour. D'Amour charged at the ball and knocked it through just inside the right goalpost.

"I was just trying to put the ball in where someone could get it," said Krunnfusz.

Krunnfusz has been doing that all season long.

"If he's got an opening he's going to take the shot, but he's also smart enough to know where guys are going to be and sets them up," said Riddell. "He really takes care of business up front for us."

Neither team made any real threats at the go-ahead goal down the stretch, but an aggressive play by Baraboo goalie Andrew Ford and another strong stop by Kevin Vaness inside the goalbox did thwart a pair of attacks by Sparta.

In the opening half, BHS answered Sparta's goal with 27:43 left. In a wacky circumstance for any scorekeeper, Ford notched an assist as his drop kick went 55 yards and fell out of the sky in front of a streaking Krunnfusz. With the goalie charging near the 10 yard-line, Krunnfusz slid and directed the ball just right of the attacking keeper, putting the ball inside the left post.

"That's what I'm supposed to do as a forward — see the ball bounce and go get it. The key was not looking at the goalie and instead looking around the goalie and making the shot," said Krunnfusz.

It's been a while since any keeper has assisted the senior on a goal.

"Maybe way back when I was 10 years-old and playing (recreational) soccer," Krunnfusz said.

BHS (2-1-1, 5-5-3) will have little time to regroup after the hard-fought 80 minutes of play. The T-Birds welcome conference bully Waunakee (4-0, 10-5) tonight.

"Waunakee is going to be difficult. Hopefully after a tie the guys are hungry to win," said Riddell.

Indeed, the squad is looking for a result more satisfying.

"I think having a game right before will really get us more motivated for Waunakee," said Krunnfusz. "We're a bit angry with the tie and Waunakee is going to be physical so we'll be pumped."