PORT ANGELES — Paige Mason’s goal in the 32nd minute lifted Port Angeles to its first win on the season in a 1-0 Olympic League girls soccer win over Kingston.
The Roughriders were strong defensively, limiting the Buccaneers to two shots. Port Angeles’ offense also produced 20 shots, 16 of them on frame against Kingston goalkeeper Leighton Menge who has committed to play at Central Washington.
“I told the team after the game that I would take a hard-fought 1-0 win over a 7-0 win where we aren’t challenged and don’t grow,” coach Daniel Horton said. “I think we can look back at this game later in the season and say that this one helped in several areas.”
Mason’s goal came after a good piece of defending.
“We missed a shot wide and they took a goal kick and their keeper is really good, she played the ball to their outside defender,” Horton said. “Teanna Clark made a nice run to pressure her, and turn the ball over to Paige, who was about 25 yards out, took one touch and she drilled it past the goalie. And [Menge] is a tall, long-armed athletic girl. We took advantage of the one mistake she made. It took an amazing goal to beat that keeper.”
Horton said the Riders continued to improve as the game went on.
“Second half, everything came together,” Horton said. “Everybody looked improved from the Bainbridge match [a 5-0 defeat last week].”
He pointed out sophomore Taylor Smith’s play in her starting debut at outside defender.
“I told her, ‘You look like you’ve been on varsity for three years,’ ” Horton said. “She played outside of her mind and really shattered expectation I had for her. She looked poise, confident, she communicated all night. It was great to see another young player step up.
Horton said Becca Manson also played well. “She always knows where to be, especially when we are trying to build or get back in transition, she finds the right spot.”
And center backs Maeve Croteau and Ava-Anne Sheahan.
“They weren’t happy with how they played against Bainbridge and they really stepped up and looked solid against Kingston,” Horton said.
Port Angeles (1-1-0) visits Sequim tonight at 6:45 p.m.
Sequim 9, North Mason 1
BELFAIR — Wolves all-time leading goal-scorer Taryn Johnson added another five scores to her tally along with an assist as Sequim opened its girls soccer season in fine form.
Senior classmate Jennyfer Gomez added two goals.
“We wanted to have fast start, press out of the gate and control the pace of game,” coach Ken Garling said. “The girls came out from the first whistle and did exactly that. They controlled possession, played the ball around and broke down their defense.”
The Wolves were able to find space in the center of the field between North Mason’s center backs all game long.
Gomez opened the scoring, splitting two defenders and running on to Johnson’s through ball in the fourth minute.
Johnson scored off an Olive Bridge assist in the eighth minute and headed in another goal in the 11th minute, scoring off of Amara Gonzalez’s corner kick.
Nikoline Updike assisted on another Johnson goal in the 16th.
“Really taking what they were giving us because they were not making adjustments and they couldn’t keep up with us,” Garling said.
Johnson reached four goals in the 22nd minute, poking in a rebound after a scramble in the goal box.
Updike scored her first goal on a direct free kick in the 28th.
“It was a phenomenal direct free kick right over the goalkeeper’s head,” Garling said. “A really pretty goal.”
Freshman Sasha Yada notched her first varsity goal, scoring off a Kiley Winter assist in the 38th minute.
Gomez added her second goal in the second half assisted by Ivy Barrett, and Johnson finished out the scoring, linking up with Kaia Lestage.
“We almost had a clean sheet, our first half was outstanding, everyone contributed and we were excited about the outcome,” Garling said.
Vashon 5, East Jefferson 0
VASHON — The Rivals dealt with ferry delays and a senior-dominated Pirates squad Tuesday.
“I was expecting it to be a tough game away; ferry was behind late getting to the field,” coach Rob Cantley said. So we had a short warmup and we came out a little bit slow in the first half. Vashon is really stacked with like 10 seniors, a pretty good team.
“Our younger girls were a little intimidated by the size and speed of some of the girls we were playing with.
“But overall, we did well in keeping our defensive shape. We settled down and were able to play with a little less fear, and we were more determined to get to the ball and win it.
“We were more aggressive in the second half, we weren’t on the back foot. It didn’t pay off in a goal, but I felt the girls were playing with confidence.”
East Jefferson (0-1-1) hosts Bellevue Christian tonight.
