Rams sweep at Waverly tourney

The Class 2A, No. 3 ranked Glenwood boys soccer team improved to 10-2 on the season with three wins and a bracket championship at the Waverly-Shell Rock Tournament on Saturday.

The Rams allowed just one goal in the tournament and swept two ranked teams (Gilbert, ranked No. 7 in Class 1A) and Hudson (ranked No. 13 in Class 2A) en route to the team title.

“We played really well,” said Glenwood coach Mike Artist of his team. “We defended well, (goal keeper) Matt (Schulz) really played good and we maximized our goal-scoring opportunities.”

In the tournament opener, the Rams rolled to a 2-0 win over Webster City with temperatures hovering in the low-40s. Despite the cold, Glenwood dominated on both ends of the field.

“They have some good athletes and really made us work for shots but they didn't get a lot of chances on us,” said Artist.

Blake Beier and Grant Loeffelbein scored the goals for Glenwood with Joey Stivers assisting on both.

In game two, the Rams scored two first half goals and never looked back in a 2-1 win over Gilbert.

Trenton McNeel scored both goals for Glenwood, who out shot their opponent 16-4.

Gilbert's lone goal came on a 30-yard penalty kick - the goal was also the only goal Schulz and the Rams allowed in the tournament.

In the tournament capper, Glenwood scored less than 30 seconds into the game and rolled to a 3-0 win over Hudson with little trouble, said Artist.

“I expected a closer game,” said Artist. “I don't know if we just took them out of their game but we really dominated. We controlled it on both ends. Everybody played well and we're playing with a lot of confidence right now.”

The Rams got on the board inside the first minute on a header by Loeffelbein off a perfect pass from Steve Gutschenritter.

Brian Lilly and McNeel each added goals for Glenwood.

Glenwood 2,

Sioux City North 1

Grant Loeffelbein’s goal 32 seconds into overtime was the difference for Glenwood in a 2-1 win over Sioux City North last Tuesday.

“They (Sioux City North) don’t have a great record but they have some talent and traditions. They’re a better team than their record indicates,” said Glenwood coach Mike Artist. “We had to really work for our shots.”

The Rams out shot the Stars 14-9 on goal.

Joey Stivers had Glenwood’s other goal.