5 high school boys soccer stars of the week: Sept. 5 edition (2024)

WiscNews will recognize the accomplishments of five boys soccer athletes from our coverage area each week.

The efforts may not be the greatest statistically but are notable. We then invite readers to vote for the Supernova, the performance that most stood out to you.

Here are this week’s honorees.

Julian Arguello powers Beaver Dam Wayland Academy

Wayland Academy looked to rebound following a 4-3 lost to Lake Mills in its season opener, and Julian Arguello helped the Big Red accomplish that by scoring two of the team's three goals in the first half.

The senior earned his first multi-goalgame in his second varsity game as Wayland Academy scored four consecutive goals to begin the game and in a 6-2 victory over Watertown Luther Prep.

Portage's Jinu Lee capitalizing on his opportunity

Portage/Poynette’s offensive attack came to life against Baraboo by scoring twice in the first half after getting shut out in its season opener against Jefferson.

“We realized that their backline was having difficulty with touches, and the more pressure we put on them, it gave us more scoring opportunities,” Portage/Poynette Dan Rolling said.

Jinu Lee scored the team’s second goal on a free kick, coming 11:17 into the game.

The junior, who typically plays midfielder, told the coaching staff he wanted to play more on the frontline this season.

“We’ve talked to Jinu about shooting when’s in that 25-yard range because he’s got a beautiful shot and he’s an excellent skilled player,” Rolling said.

Portage/Poynette went scoreless in the second half and fell to Baraboo 4-2.

“It’s just the little things now like being first to the ball, communicating and being hungrier, which are easy fixes,” Rolling said.

Dakota Franklin leads Lodi to season opening win

Dakota Franklin helped Lodi start its season strong with a goal early in the first half of the season opener against Jefferson.

The senior made a quick turnafter receiving a pass from sophom*ore Colton Waller and found himself with an one-on-one opportunity versus the goalkeeper.

Franklin calmly seized the moment and scored under the far post. Lodi scored again in the second half and prevailed 2-0.

The Blue Devils finished their opening week with a 0-0 tie against Madison La Follette and a 3-1 loss to Madison Memorial.

Wisconsin Dells' Sebastian Marchena displays scoring prowess

Sebastian Marchena returned to Wisconsin Dells this fall after leading the team with 40 goals a year ago, according to Wissports.

The junior's scoring spree has carried over into this season, as he's scored 10 goals in his team's first three games.

Marchena scored twice in the Chiefs' 5-4 win over Lakeside Lutheran and earned a hat trick in the team's 11-2 win against Columbus.

His best performance came in Wisconsin Dells' 8-0 season-opening win over Black River Falls/Melrose-Mindoro, when he scored five goals.

Baraboo's Isaiah Romano-Thompson takes over the second half

The Badger Small matchup between Baraboo and Portage/Poynette sat tied 2-2 at halftime.

Isaiah Romano-Thompson placed the burden upon himself to ensure the Thunderbirds won their first game of the season.

The junior scored two goals after halftime, with the first coming at the 60:31 mark.

“I tapped the ball around a defender, saw I had space and wanted to slot the ball in the left corner, which fortunately worked,” Romano-Thompson said.

He padded the lead in the 71st minute, scoring on a long shot that hit the top crossbar and ricocheted in below.

The referees nearly didn’t count the goal but gave Romano-Thompson his marker after meeting.

Baraboo defeated Portage/Poynette 4-2 following the midfielder's second-half takeover.

“I was a little further out than I usually am when I shoot, but I heard one of my teammates say, 'Let it rip,' and I did,” Romano-Thompson said.