Osaka, Japan, native Sakuto Yamada played his first Blair High School soccer game Saturday at Krantz Field.
“I liked it,” he said at its conclusion.
The Bears opened the season with a 3-0 Eastern Midlands Conference win against Lincoln Northwest.
“Overall, it was good,” coach Curt Scott commented, commending his team's preparation for the opener. “We worked everybody in. That was a key point for today. You don't always get to do that.”
BHS led 2-0 at the half, scoring its first two goals of the spring within the first 20 minutes of the match. Senior Quinn Baedke contributed to the first during the 10th minute, crossing the ball off of a Falcon, who unintentionally scored the own goal.
Then, during the 19th, Yamada found the back of the net for the first time in his debut. Alex Just started the scoring opportunity with a sliding tackle, winning the ball and pushing it ahead to Baedke, who passed to his senior teammate in front of the goal.
The Northwest defender trailing Yamada collided with his own goalkeeper as the BHS newcomer booted the soccer ball into the net. The Japanese student-athlete said he expected to score Saturday.
“Because I'm good,” he added, cracking a smile. “Just kidding.”
After the game, Scott noted how Yamada has quickly become one his favorite players.
“I'm so glad he did well today,” he said. “I'm so glad he got a goal.”
The midfielder brings a positive attitude to practice.
“He's been waiting a long time (for this),” Scott said. “You can see it on his face when we're training. He can't wait to get out here and play.”
Baedke later added the third Blair goal on a penalty kick during the 46th minute.
Defensively, the Bears' experienced back line held the Falcons scoreless for the full 80 minutes.
“In Blair soccer, right now, everything starts in our back line,” Scott said, complimenting the three seniors and two captains who played there in front of freshman goalkeeper Luke Donner. “We're not super worried about our back line. We feel that's very strong.”
Altogether, the BHS roster combined for a comfortable 1-0 start against a conference opponent. Yamada was pleased with the Bears' showing overall.
“I got a goal because they did good,” he said.
Blair was set to face Waverly on Monday and next hosts The Platte — the combined team of players from Platteview and Plattsmouth — on Friday. The home varsity game starts at 7 p.m.
BHS SOCCER LINE SCORE
Saturday
Blair 3, Lincoln Northwest 0
LNW (0-2) 0 0 — 0
BHS (1-0) 2 1 — 3
Goals: Quinn Baedke and Sakuto Yamada.
