GAME SUMMARY:
Hayward Wolfpack FC needed a win against first place Lobos FC to qualify for the WI Challenge Cup, and they succeeded. The game began with a slower pace, as both teams attempted to feel their opponent out. Hayward’s Malcolm Lumsden and Interim Assistant Coach Kaden Bergman received red cards in the 18th minute after Lumsden was left with a bloody split open lip after an elbow caught him, with Lumsden’s red reduced to a yellow after conversation. Hayward’s starting goalkeeper, Dru Senich, also left the game with a twisted knee after being clipped, leaving center back Sebastian Paczuski in charge of the net. Despite some drama early, the game stayed 0-0 going into the half.
The second half brought some challenges. Lobos FC, needing a win to secure the league title, came out strong. The Merrill-based club scored on a quick break in the 53th minute, putting the Wolfpack’s season at risk. With a chunk of the half gone, Finigan Huffington recieved a ball on the left side and put in a great ball to Lumsden, who headed the ball into the net. Needing another goal to secure a spot in the state championships, Lumsden snuck a free kick into the top left corner of the net in the 75th minute, sending the Wolfpack to the Dells to compete for a state title. Goalkeeper Dru Senich had 0 saves and fill-in Sebastian Paczuski had 5 saves, with the Wolfpack outshooting Lobos 7-6 in the contest.
With the Lobos loss, Bateaux FC (Eau Claire, WI) have won the 2022 WPASL Championship for the third straight season and will join the Wolfpack as a league representative in the WI Challenge Cup.
BOX SCORE:
7-31/Jay Stadium/WPASL League Game
Hayward Wolfpack FC......................................0 2 -2
Lobos FC.............................................…..............0 1 -1
First Half - No Scoring
Second Half - Lobos - Brayan Camargo (Curtis Tinjum) 53', HWFC - Mally Lumsden (Finigan Huffington) 66'; HWFC - Mally Lumsden (Unassisted) 75'
Saves: HWFC - Dru Senich (0 saves), Sebastian Paczuski (5 saves); LOB- Mason Gebert (5 saves)
LOOKING AHEAD:
The Wolfpack have qualified for the 2022 Wisconsin Challenge Cup, with the schedule to be released this week. The tournament will be taking place on August 6 and 7 at the Dells Sports Complex in Wisconsin Dells, WI.