2012 was a bittersweet year for the team. Leaving the only conference the only the club knew (M8), wasn't without remorse, the team had built great rivalries with the neighboring cities.
The Bulldogs were not only in a new conference, they were in a new phase. The leadership of the 2011 team was gone, but new talent emerged and mixed well with the existing talent.
The new season also saw a change in coaching as Brad Novak would vacate his Assistant Role in order to help bolster the fledgling Junior High Program - and Assistant Dylan Thomas would not return due to a job change. So with record numbers in the 9-12 program, there was only 2 coaches left to build the team into contendors.
Becker's formation for much of 2012 was a 4-4-2 with a diamond defense that included a sweeper. With such a green team - it would prove to be disastrous at times. However, it would lay the ground for future success.
The season opened at home against Sauk Rapids-Rice, a team that was very familiar to the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs held the series lead 3-1 - the only loss coming the previous season at SR-R when they lost on a late-game goal 2-1. This was a different year however, and The Storm surprised Becker and easily won the game 10-1. However, it was found later in the season that 2 of the players for the Storm were over the age according to the MSHSL. The Storm had to vacate their their first 6 games and the wins were forfeited. So even though the Bulldogs lost the game, the match was scored in the 'W' column following the season.
THE BECKER FALL CLASSIC - The boys had to put the recent loss behind them quickly as they were to host their 2nd tourney. The Bulldogs were not able to make adjustments and Watertown-Mayer jumped out ahead of the Bulldogs 5-1 in the first match. After regrouping and making adjustments, the Bulldogs resurfaced against the Agates of Two Harbors and won their first match of the season 7-1.
The Bulldogs would then face Cambridge-Isanti - a rival from the old Mississippi 8 - a team that they had much history with. The Becker/C-I rivalry games were always hotly contested and usually were decided by a point. The game would end in a disaster for Becker.
A rough game ensued and the Bulldogs lost their discipline that they had just recently found. Both Coaches were issued yellow cards in the game, as well as many of the players. Be the end of the game - which was tied nearing the half - one Bulldog would be injured and the Jackets would walk away with a 8-2 victory.
The next game was not to be in the favor of the Bulldogs either. Cathedral was a team built from the area - and they proved it besting Becker 8-0.
Becker righted their ship as they faced Princeton in their first North Sherburne County Derby. Jr Zack Vieau would prove to be clutch and began his dominance over the Tigers scoring all of Becker's 4 goals in a 4-2 win.
In the next match - the Rockets from Rockford would face off against Becker for the first time since 2009's 17-0 drubbing. However, many of the Rockets lineup were a part of that game and were looking for revenge - and they played like it. Becker narrowly won the match 1-0.
The Bulldogs would then drop their next 3 to conference foes - SJP, Little Falls, and Cathedral. Realizing that in order to avoid sharing the cellar with Princeton - and in hopes of securing a first round home berth in Section 7A play, the Bulldogs made major adjustments. Brandon Croatt moved from a midfield position to the Center Defender position. He found his feet and position during these games. Becker also tapped Freshman Bradley Bauer to step into a supporting role as Sweeper - and it was a fit.
The North Sherburne County Derby - part deux - saw the Tigers coming to Becker to exact revenge. As always, Princeton played the Bulldogs tough until the waning moments of the game and Becker escaped with a 2-1 victory. Zack Vieau netted bot goals again against Princeton - bringing his season total to 7 (6 against the Tigers).
Becker was then invited to Big Lake/Spectrum's home for Spectrum's first 'Soccer Day' that was quite a spectacle. The host put on a great show off the pitch with fanfare and games a plenty. The Girls team faced off against Spectrum first - and started the day right with a 2-1 win.
The boys entered play, and the heat on the field was rising. It has been said that the distance between Becker and Big Lake is the longest 9 miles in Minnesota - tack on another 5 miles to Elk River and it was more than apparent. The style of play could not be further from each other. Becker relied on team play - disciplined defense, a play of respect. BL/Spectrum was on the other end of the spectrum... pun intended. At half, the Bulldogs led 1-0 thanks to a quick goal by Sr Midfielder David Johnson. After the half, Becker quickly went up 2-0 and then played hard defense. Hungry and aggressive Sting players went on the attack and in a contest in the box - they had their chance to tie the game. The ball sailed right into the hands of Ben Gilchrist.
Becker would leave Elk River with more than just a win - they would leave securing a first-round home game in Section 7A play. And they kept a stranglehold on their Highway Ten rivals as the series was pushed to 7-0-1 in MSHSL play.
The Bulldogs would slide in the next two games losing to conference rivals SJP and Little Falls. Neither game was even contested on the pitch as the Bulldogs looked confused and outmatched in both games. THe Bulldogs were 5-10 (w/o the SRR forfeit) and would host their second section game ever.
Section 7A Tournament Becker (5-10) would play host to Eveleth-Gilbert Area in the opening round of the tournament. The Golden Bears played the Bulldogs just right as they would stack the box on defense - leaving just 1 sole attacker awaiting a send. In just 5 sends - there were 5 shots against Ben Gilchrist, and 3 of which were 1v1 breakaways. Two of Becker's seniors netted goals for Becker - David Johnson on a one-timer, and Zack 'Squeaks' Arrigoni with a PK.
The Bulldogs outshot the Bears 42-5, but lost the match 3-2.
Heartbroken with dreams left unfulfilled, the seniors stayed with Coach Jurek on the pitch after the game.
'This was the worst loss of my coaching tenure... we did almost everything right. It is my fault - it always is in this situation. We needed goals in bunches as they went up 2-0 early. We played 75 of the 80 minutes on their half - but their defense did not break. Kudos to them.'
For Coach Jurek, it was more bitter than sweet. It also was the 4th year in his tenure - and only of the freshman from 2009 was a senior... and Senior David Johnson developed from a young, wide-eyed 14 year old into a capable midfielder ready to contribute his skills.
David Johnson posted a great season with 7 points - and two of his goals are among the most prominent in Becker history. His goal against Big Lake/Spectrum helped to secure the victory - and his equalizer in the Section 7A opening match put the Bulldogs in place to advance to the second round of Section play for only the second time.