DEKALB — The Hub varsity soccer team kicked off its shortened spring season Thursday evening, facing DeKalb on the road in chilly and windy conditions. Rochelle’s short-handed lineup couldn’t muster much against the talented Barbs, falling 8-1 and moving to 0-1 overall.

With multiple starters out of the lineup, Rochelle struggled to keep pace with the Barbs, who opened the first half with the wind and utilized several through balls to take advantage of an inexperienced Hub defensive wall. DeKalb scored its first two goals in the fourth and sixth minutes before adding two more in the 14^th minute to take a commanding 4-0 advantage.

“The score wasn’t where we wanted it to be, but we had some good moments,” head coach Brad Male said. “We had some players in spots where they’re not used to playing, but we’re going to keep moving forward and allow our players to get used to those new spots. Our communication broke down defensively and I think that’s what we need to work on most.”

The Barbs padded their lead with goals in the 18^th, 21^st and 35^th minutes to surge ahead 7-0. Looking to avoid a shutout, Rochelle found the net late in the first half, with freshman newcomer Diego Salazar assisting senior Josh Hurtado with a left-footed cross into the DeKalb box that Hurtado booted into the goal. Trailing 7-1 entering the second half, Rochelle tightened up its defensive line, conceding only one DeKalb goal in the 54^th minute during that span.

“They made some good plays and we had some players who weren’t used to being back there,” Male said. “We asked a lot out of them today and I thought they showed they could play in more than one spot. We came out in the second half and played much better as a team, which will be a confidence builder for us. We need to keep communicating and staying confident.”

Sophomore Diego Cincire finished with two saves for the Hubs, who face Morris on Friday.