MOUNT HOREB — Despite being the higher seed, Sugar River boys’ soccer (18-2-1, 8-0 Capitol) fell to McFarland (10-7-4, 4-1-1 Rock Valley) in the sectional semifinal on Thursday, Oct. 27.  

The Raiders had shut out its previous five opponents before being shut out 0-1 by the Spartans. During the regular season, McFarland and Sugar River tied 1-1. Aiden Hatleberg had scored the lone goal. 

The rivalry between the two teams began in 2018 when the Spartans defeated the Raiders 8-0 in sections. In 2019, McFarland claimed the regional title with a 4-0 win over Sugar River. In the alternative 2020-21 fall season, the Raiders fell 0-4 to the Spartans. Last year, McFarland bested Sugar River 1-0 yet again. 

Hatleberg ended his junior campaign leading the team in goals (30), assists (10) and points (70). The next highest scorer was Jack Leonard with six goals. Eli Leonard, who was second in assists with eight, also chipped in five goals. In goal, Clayton Streiff recorded a .825 save percentage with 25 goals allowed and 118 saves. 

The team graduates seven seniors—three from New Glarus, four from Belleville—but returns their core.