Girls face defending soccer champs

The Lady Outlaws dueled defending state champions Mazama on Thursday, September 8, in an exciting game that ended in a 1-1 tie.

Sisters got on the scoreboard first, with a goal in the second half. Jodie Reoch, with pressure from two defenders, was able to get the ball to freshman Cassandra Arruda, who booted the ball into the goal at the far post from 14 yards out.

The Outlaws kept the momentum in their favor and were in control of the game until the final minutes of the contest.

With three minutes left on the clock, the Vikings scored to tie the game at 1-1.

"We relaxed and the momentum changed," said Coach Nik Goertzen. "They scored on a clunk goal. The ball hit one of my players in the belly and then dropped to the ground. Everyone seemed to stand and watch for an eternity. We had a momentary lapse of reason and with the ball right in front of the goal, Mazama scored."

Kylie Durrant, a second-team all-state player, recorded the goal for Mazama.

At that point, the Outlaws went into panic mode. With 53 seconds left on the clock, Amity Calvin hard-fouled Kaitlyn Crowell, the 4A Player of the Year. Crowell was awarded a penalty kick (PK) and the Outlaws were stunned.

While Crowell prepared for the kick, the Outlaws stood by with bated breath.

Goertzen told The Nugget that the Outlaws had video coverage of last year's championship game, including Mazama's players taking PKs. Goalie Sara Small (first-team all-state goalie) spent many hours prior to the game viewing the kicks and how Mazama's players react in PK situations. The time was well spent, because Small read the kick perfectly, and dove to the left for an incredible save.

"Once Sara got the save the adrenaline kicked in and we had new life," said Goertzen.

With 10 seconds left in the game, Mazama's Durrant took a final shot from approximately 20 yards out. Small leaped left and high into the air and made a spectacular save in the upper V to secure the tie.

"This first game was hot and humid," said Goertzen. "We played a very non-emotional first half and didn't look so good. We adjusted at the half, buckled down and concentrated. That made a huge difference, and we played the second half with more energy, and our passing and communication was better. Of the three golden opportunities we gave them, we only suffered from one mistake, and I say suffer because we had the game won."

Goertzen had praise for three of his players.

"Sara Small (goalie), Michelle Young (senior defensive captain) and Cassandra Arruda all played a great game. Sara had incredible energy and some incredible saves. Michelle had a heck of a game and saved our bacon at least 10 times with her presence, pressure and being at the right place at the right time. And, kudos to my little freshman (Arruda) for scoring her first goal as an Outlaw and our first goal of the season."

The junior vasity squad won 5-1 over Mazama.