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Sibley soccer energized for a big run

A skilled Henry Sibley soccer team, shaking off two setbacks, is improving as the postseason nears.

For the Minnesota Star Tribune

September 29, 2012 at 12:22AM

Captain Jeremy Zeis helps anchor a Henry Sibley defense that didn’t allow a goal for nearly four full games recently. Photo by Richard Tsong-Taatarii • rtsongtaatarii@startribune.com (Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Don't talk to Henry Sibley senior captains Jeremy Zeis or Zach Haas about polls, rankings or ratings.

"If you look at ratings, I mean, obviously ratings are just ratings. They're just what people think," Zeis said. "I think definitely we're [better] than where we are [ranked]."

"Going into the year, I knew we would have been a top-10 team in the state in my mind," Haas said. "No one really knew about us in the beginning. I could tell right from tryouts we had a really talented team."

The Warriors, who are 7-1-3 and play host to Rochester Mayo on Saturday, have played like an elite team. If not for two late slip-ups, they probably would have a slot in the state rankings.

In its season opener, Henry Sibley held a 2-1 lead over now No. 1-ranked Apple Valley with only three minutes remaining. The Eagles tied it and then scored the game-winner with 18 seconds left in double overtime.

Then came 10th-ranked Eagan last Saturday. The Warriors again had their opponents right where they wanted them. With a 1-0 lead and only 17 seconds left in the game, the Wildcats tied it up. The contest ended in a 1-1 tie after two overtimes.

Ouch.

"Hopefully we're learning our lessons about focusing until all the way to the end of the game," Henry Sibley coach Terry Doud said.

Close losses aside, Henry Sibley has also strung together quality victories, including two shutouts against conference rivals: 3-0 over St. Thomas Academy and 7-0 over Simley.

Doud, in his 20th year as head coach, said this is the most skilled lineup he's ever had. With improved team play as the season has progressed, the energy and excitement surrounding the program is palpable.

"People don't really think of Sibley as a soccer team," Zeis said. "It is."

Zeis and Haas are a large part of the Warriors' stellar defensive play. About halfway through the season, Doud moved Zeis from forward to center back to take Haas' place, who suffered an injury. When Haas re-entered the lineup, Doud decided to keep both at center back, expanding the defense from three to four seniors. They didn't allow another goal for nearly four full games.

"They're tough, and as they play with each other more, it's just going to get better and better," Doud said.

That stout defense stands in front of senior goalkeeper Luis Cazares, who continues to wow teammates.

"He's super solid," Haas said. "Clean sheets are his deal. He loves it."

Senior forward Austin Westman and senior midfielder Eric Fast lead the Warriors in scoring. Westman brings speed and shiftiness. Fast is tricky, intelligent and unloads a dangerous shot. Nico Bazan has been racking up assists.

This eclectic mix of talent has put a scare into premier opponents. They hope to turn the scare into big victories come playoff time, but it won't be easy. Apple Valley, Eagan and Eastview are all in their section.

Haas is trying to live in the moment and rally down the stretch.

"We all understand that this is our last season. We're trying to make the most of it," Haas said. "And now we're getting our younger players to peak with us at the right time. Hopefully, we can get a home game for sections and then make a run."