Oskaloosa High played its first boys’ soccer game in almost two years Thursday night (4/1). Ottumwa spoiled the occasion, though, by beating the Indians 3-1 in Ottumwa. Angel Valencia scored in the 28th minute to give the Bulldogs a 1-0 halftime lead. Then Valencia doubled that lead in the 52nd minute with a header from a corner kick. Oskaloosa got on the board three minutes later, courtesy of a penalty kick by Ethan Olivas. But Reggie Melendez restored Ottumwa’s two goal advantage with 14 minutes to play to make the final score 3-1. Indians Coach Greg Walter talks about the game.
“(It was) back and forth. It was a good first game and we put some really good stuff together. Considering we haven’t played in a year with COVID. Our freshmen have turned into really, juniors. Our sophomores are our seniors. Some really good things; we’re happy. Yeah, it’s disappointing to lose 3-1 but Ottumwa’s a good team. We had lots of shots, lots of opportunities and a couple of things didn’t go our way.”
Oskaloosa’s boys travel to Dallas Center-Grimes on Tuesday (4/6) for their Little Hawkeye Conference opener. The Indians start the season with six consecutive road games, including a tournament at Winterset. Osky’s home opener is April 20th against Norwalk.
