Soccer teams struggling early 

At left is Waterloo’s Isaiah Mallery during last Tuesday’s home victory over Belleville East. At right is Columbia’s Owen Worcester during a match last Wednesday against Belleville East. For more photos from both games, visit republictimes.smugmug.com.

It’s been a rough start for most of the Monroe County high school boys soccer teams so far this fall. 

In fact, Waterloo (1-1-1) is the only local squad with a win entering play this week.

The Bulldogs opened their 2024 campaign with a 3-0 victory last Tuesday over Belleville East. 

Isaiah Mallery, Trent Glaenzer and Caeden Wille netted goals in the win. Parker Lacroix made five saves in net. 

On Thursday, Waterloo battled to a scoreless tie with Mater Dei. The Bulldogs recorded seven shots on goal but were unable to score.

On Monday, Waterloo lost 1-0 at Granite City. A first half goal by the Warriors held up for the winning score.

The Bulldogs play Wednesday at Freeburg before hosting Father McGivney on Thursday. On Monday, Waterloo hosts Althoff.

Columbia is winless and on top of that, now coping with the tragic loss of teammate Crawford Bryant in a car crash over the Labor Day holiday weekend. 

The Eagles opened with a 2-1 defeat at home last Wednesday to Belleville West. Luke DeWilde scored for Columbia on an assist from Hayes van Breusegen.

Columbia traveled south to Kentucky over the weekend and faced two tough squads. 

On Friday, the Eagles lost 3-0 to Louisville Collegiate. 

On Saturday, Columbia battled hard in a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Ballard.

The Eagles are scheduled to host Marquette on Saturday, then play Tuesday at Breese Central. 

Likewise, Gibault has yet to win a match on the season. 

Following a 5-0 loss to Highland last Monday to open their season, the Hawks suffered a narrow 5-4 defeat last Tuesday at the hands of Breese Central. 

Ryan Biffar scored twice for Gibault, with teammates Grady Frierdich and Austin Stern also netting goals. 

Gibault hosted Marquette on Tuesday. 

Valmeyer has also started its season at 0-3. 

The Pirates lost 7-0 to Wood River last Monday, then dropped a 10-0 match to Maryville Christian last Tuesday. 

On Saturday, Valmeyer lost 6-1 to Roxana, with Ripken Voelker scoring the goal for the Pirates.

Valmeyer plays Wednesday at Carlyle. 

Corey Saathoff

Corey is the editor of the Republic-Times. He has worked at the newspaper since 2004, and currently resides in Columbia. He is also the principal singer-songwriter and plays guitar in St. Louis area country-rock band The Trophy Mules.
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