Boys soccer: Willmar, Minn., loss is its 4th straight

WILLMAR -- On a warm and still Thursday evening, it was still another agonizing loss for the Cardinals in boys soccer -- their fourth in a row and third straight by a goal.

The Sartell Sabres got a penalty kick early in the second half to defeat Willmar 1-0 on Kennedy field as the sun ducked behind the nearby football stadium.

Goal shots were even at seven apiece. The Sabres (6-2-1, 7-5-1) also whitewashed the Cardinals in Sartell, 3-0.

"On the positive side that's the strongest game we've played this season," said coach Jeff Winter. "Definitely, our best team game."

Winter disputed the call on the penalty kick. Goalie Charlie Trochlil was called for a hand pass when he dropped kick from the outer box.

Winter felt his junior goalie clearly released the ball, as many goalies do, before crossing the white line.

Carter Kasianov fooled the "wall" -- intentionally or not -- with a weed whipper that went under the cleats of jumping defenders. Trochlil, positioned at the corner opposite his defense couldn't get over in time.

Willmar (2-7, 5-8) can continue to bulk up its 3-1 section record with a trip to play New Ulm Public 11 a.m. Saturday at Martin Luther College.

Sartell 1, Willmar 0

Sartell 0 1 -- 1

Willmar 0 0 -- 0

FIRST HALF - no scoring

SECOND HALF - Sar: Carter Kasianov penalty kick, 50:00

SHOTS ON GOAL - Sartell: 7 ... Willmar: 7

GOALIE SAVES - Sartell: Skylar Gardner 7 ... Willmar: Charlie Trochlil 6