Phantoms secure 6-1 victory over Suns in Regional

DE PERE — The West De Pere Phantoms (9-8-1) secured a decisive 6-1 victory over the West Bend East Suns (2-12-1) at home on Tuesday, Oct. 20. 

“We worked all season to build identity as a team and keep playing to the final whistle. We’ve played a lot of teams where we’ve had a lot of goals in the second half — today it wasn’t like that because we kept our foot on the pedal. At halftime we talked about needing more intensity and more communication, and that’s the key to it,” said West De Pere’s Greyson Birder. 

The Phantoms went up 1-0 on the Suns with an early goal from Alex Norman. 

With 11 minutes to go in the first half, the Phantoms lengthened their lead when Birder got on the end of a through-ball and took on the keeper with the help of Morrison Wesolokski who finished the ball in the back of the net.

Just 2 minutes before the half, the Phantoms were tripped up at the top of the box in their attack, leading to a well-finished penalty kick by Aidyn Gauthier for the 3-0 lead. 

Despite the five-goal differential, Birder said there are still a few things he would like to see his team clean up to advance further in the postseason. 

“We just need to be sharper and get clearances out,” said Birder about what he’d like to see his team improve. 

When the Phantoms came out for the second half, they kept their foot on the pedal when Gauthier found himself in a battle in the box and was able to get the ball to Neymar Ramirez for a near-post finish. 

Gauthier later found his second goal of the night with 23 minutes remaining and Morrison Wesolokski earned his second goal shortly after to bring the lead to 6-0. 

However, the Suns snuck a volley in to eliminate the Phantoms’ hopes for a shutout. 

“I’m just excited to play with my boys more. I love this team, I love the guys and I love the coaching staff, so I’m just grateful that we have another week to play together,” said Birder.