Jordan-Small Middle School soccer highlights - By Jim Beers

The Jordan-Small Middle School girls’ and boys’ soccer teams were in action in Raymond Wednesday afternoon, hosting Lake Region. 

The boys kicked off first and the pace was fast from the start. Both teams traded scoring chances until Lowell Carr put the Lakers up 1-0 in the ninth minute. Raymond came right back to tie the game seven minutes later, on a blast by forward Nick Rose. One minute later, Carr netted his second goal of the afternoon, on a beautiful crossing pass by Tristen Chaine, giving Lake Region a 2-1 lead. Chaine made it 3-1 Lakers off a corner kick pass, 20 minutes in. Left-winger Aiden Grass scored five minutes later, unassisted, to make it 4-1 Lakers. The Roadrunners answered just before the half as forward Jake Conley drove one to the back of the net, making it 4-2 heading into the break. 

In the second half, both teams stepped up their defense and goalie play. Raymond keeper Alex Wilkins was up to the task, stopping 12 second-half shots, allowing Raymond to stay in the game. The Roadrunners created several opportunities, but could not capitalize and fell 4-2.

"They, (Lake Region), have a very strong front line, and made it tough on our midfielders and defensemen," said Roadrunner coach Mike Giampetruzzi. "We are going to have to improve in those two areas and work on some defensive strategies going forward. It was our best effort of the season so far." The Raymond boys dip 1-2 overall, while Lake Region improves to 1-1. 

In the girls game, Isabelle Davis-White scored on a deflection six minutes in to give Lake Region a 1-0 lead. That score stood till halftime as both teams missed on several scoring chances. The second half saw the Lady Lakers come out attacking Raymond's net. Chandler True, Aisley Sturck and Hannah Chadwick all scored to propel Lake Region to the 4-0 shutout. Carlee Richmond was solid in goal for Raymond, now 1-3 on the young season. Lake Region gets its first win and is now 1-0-1. Raymond coach Charlie Miller was positive after the loss. "We have 23 girls on the team, with 60-minute games,..but we did a great job against a tough team. They worked hard, played aggressive and were not afraid to fight for the '50-50' balls. We are 1-3, but always play hard, with great sportsmanship, I'm very proud of the team."