With eight games behind them and eight games to follow tonight’s match up against Arrowhead, the Middleton Cardinals have reached the midpoint of their season with an overall record of five wins and three losses. The Cardinals are now ranked third in the state.
After a tough loss at home to top-ranked Waunakee on April 13, the Cards have been undefeated, notching a road trip win against the Lake Forest (IL) High School Scouts and two blowout in-conference victories against Oregon and Sun Prairie.
Facing the reigning state champion Oregon Panthers, Middleton showcased offensive and defensive prowess, racking up five goals in the first quarter while holding the Panthers scoreless. The impressive teamwork continued throughout the evening as standout sophomore middie Troy Teff scored five goals for the game and senior goalie Danny Shulla delivered thirteen saves, blocking 86.7% of Oregon’s shots.
The 12-2 Cardinals home-turf win also featured strong performances across the midfield, including great plays from tireless middie and team captain Joe Schwartz, defensive middie Bobby Moyer, and Sam Pilof at LSM.
After a week-long hiatus, the team returned to action with a game at Bank of Sun Prairie Stadium on Wednesday night.
Building on a superb showing from Will O’Brien at faceoff, sophomore attackman Arjay Johnson scored the matchup’s first goal within its opening two minutes, launching a school record-setting delivery of eight goals over the course of the game.
The Cardinals would go on to win 16-2, powered by a nearly unstoppable combination of offensive teamwork and disciplined defense, bringing their current winning streak to three games.
For this evening’s Youth Night festivities, the Cardinals face the Arrowhead Warhawks, a team with a tradition of excellence that includes six appearances in the state finals and three state championships.
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