By Scott A. Kolb
Post-Bulletin, Austin MN 

After taking an unexpected break with a rainout on Thursday, the Austin Packers boys soccer team recorded an overtime win on Saturday afternoon at Art Hass Stadium.

This was the second meeting of the season between the Winona Winhawks and the Packers. The first game, won by the Packers, counted in the Big Nine Conference standings, so for good measure they completed the season sweep.

Jacob Larson scored a goal in overtime to give Austin a 4-3 win in the non-conference contest.

That makes it seven wins in the last eight games for the Packers. The Austin boys struck early with a couple of goals, but Winona mounted a comeback.

Starting the scoring on the day was Jacob Brehmer. The Packers mid-fielder made a quick strike off a pass from Henry Darling for a 1-0 lead at just three minutes into the game.

“We kept the momentum rolling with a goal from Martin Manocchio at six minutes into the game,” Austin coach Jens Levisen said. “Martin’s goal came off an assist from Jacob (Brehmer). We took the early lead, but Winona came back with a penalty kick and another goal to tie it 2-2 at halftime.”

In the second half, the Packers got a goal from Rolando Rubio. The third goal of the afternoon for the home team came off another assist by Henry Darling. The game was then tied at 3-3 and went into overtime.

Not only did Rubio provide the offense for the Packers in the second half, he also played a role in the winning goal.

Rubio provided the assist on Larson’s decisive shot into the net. The Packers fired off a total of 21 shots on the day.

Austin (8-3) travels to Rochester today for a non-conference game against Schaeffer Academy.