Faith Lutheran wins third straight soccer title

By Christopher Drexel

Sunday, Nov. 9, 2008 | 4:24 a.m.

Seconds after coach Nate Hagge was handed a plaque signifying his Faith Lutheran boys' soccer team as the 3A Southern League champions for the third year in a row, leading scorer Ryan Sniezyk yelled out, "Feel free to burn that Hagge!"

Not that the piece of hardware wasn't nice, but the Crusaders don't like what it represents. They won a similar plaque for capturing the 3A South each of the last two seasons, only to fall short in the state semifinals both times. Faith Lutheran has the chance for redemption when it opens the 3A state tournament with a game against Incline on Friday in Mesquite.

Hagge echoed Sniezyk's feelings regarding another league title when he presented the plaque to his team and called it a "dust collector," adding the school would only hang the trophy it wins next week.

"We have three of these and it doesn't mean anything because we don't have the final one," Hagge said. "These league plaques are just sentimental value, which we're kind of tired of right now. We're hoping third time is the charm at state. We're really excited to get another shot at the North."

Faith Lutheran wrapped up the 3A Southern championship with a 2-0 win against Boulder City Saturday in Mesquite. Emeron Ahmed scored the first goal on a header midway through the first half, before Sniezyk iced the game with about 10 minutes remaining. Chris Longi assisted on both goals.

It was the 101st career goal for Sniezyk, who breaks the school's career scoring mark every time he finds the net. But he down played the accomplishment after the game.

"It doesn't mean anything," Sniezyk said. "It's only 100 goals. I just want that state title. That's all I want. Hagge has really pushed us this year to bring that state title home after losing the past two years in the first round."

Not to be outdone by their male counterparts, the Faith Lutheran girls soccer team also wrapped up a 3A South league championship in Mesquite about two hours after the boys when the Crusaders dispatched of Pahrump Valley, 5-1.

Also like the boys, the win earned the Faith Lutheran girls their third straight invitation to state after coming short of a championship the last two seasons.

The Crusaders shot out to a quick 4-0 lead by halftime against Pahurmp Valley on goals two goals by Maddy Courvoisier and one each by Hannah Stevens and Jessica Nelson. Sydney Spoon also found the net early in the second half. Taylor Yorn, Crystal Onyema, Spoon and Courvoisier all registered assists.

"We played a great game," coach Dave Elliott said. "We played strong with our forwards and our defense all the way down the line. In the five years I've been here, this is the fourth time we've made state. We really want to finish it this time."

Pahrump Valley avoided the shutout on a goal with 10 minutes remaining by Stephanie Ledford. It was just the second goal Faith Lutheran has allowed in 16 games this season, as it's outscored opponents 92-2. But the Crusaders are well versed in how competition will pick up in the state tournament, which Faith Lutheran will open against Spring Creek on Friday.

"We'll have to come out aggressive, strong, pumped up and composed all at the same time," Courvoisier said. "It's a lot of emotions we'll have to keep together. But if we play our game, I think we can take it."

Christopher Drexel can be reached at 990-8929 or [email protected].