Chad Stivers season-high 15 saves
(photos by Jim Lindquist)
Rosemount finally dented the Farmington goal but it wasn't enough as the Tigers remained unbeaten with a 2-1 win over the Irish Tuesday, Sept. 1, at Tiger Stadium.
The Tigers moved to 3-0-1 for the season, the team's best start in the history of the program.
The victory was a true team effort with Blake Smith and Brandon Scott supplying the goals, keeper Cad Stivers piling up a season-high 15 saves and the stingy Tiger defense limiting the Irish scoring chances.
The Rosemount goal was the first by a Farmington opponent this season, coming with 9:12 remaining in the second half with the Tigers holding a 2-0 lead.
Smith gave the Tigers a 1-0 advantage seven minutes into the opening half when he bounced a corner kick off of an Irish defender and into the net.
"After watching how quickly Lakeville North got into their corner kicks we decided to speed up our delivery," Tiger coach Julian Buss said. "I think Blake caught the Rosemount keeper off guard...It's great to have two goals off corner kicks in the first four games."
Brandon Scott made it 2-0 midway through the second half on passes from Reid Wolf and Cole Landwehr.
Rosemount's score seemed to amp up the visitors play as they put increased pressure on the Farmington net but Stivers and his defenders prevailed for the team's first-ever win over their neighbors to the north.
"After they scored we responded with solid aggressive play," Buss said.
The game was physical in nature with Smith and teammate Tyler Petter-McCauley each receiving caution cards. Senior captain Sam Leske required stitches for a a head cut and according to Buss could miss a game or two.
The Tigers bounce back into action Tuesday, Sept. 6, with a non-conference road clash at Hastings. They open Missota Conference play Thursday with a home game against Northfield.
