Girls soccer posts first win of season

The girls soccer team recorded their first win of the season at home against Henley on Saturday, September 13. Two days earlier, the Outlaws lost to Molalla, one of the top 10 teams in the state.

Sisters worked hard for their 2-1 win over Henley. The Hornets scored on a long shot outside of the 18-yard box 15 minutes into the game and took a 1-0 lead.

Fifteen minutes later, Liz Stewart tied it up 1-1, scoring off a free kick outside the 18-yard box.

"This is a really strong point of Liz's, and she can be very effective for us on these long free kicks," said Coach Audrey Tehan.

Sisters' final goal came at the 75-minute mark. Stewart sent Molly Boyle a long through ball, and Boyle beat Henley's defense and kicked the ball in for the goal.

The Outlaws really started to tire out Henley in the last 20 minutes of the contest.

"Everyone was where they were supposed to be, and working together," said Tehan. "I couldn't ask for more. This game was unique because we didn't have a lot of our veteran center players who make up our backbone; however, it was empowering for the entire team to see that our new players could make it happen. Everyone is really forming an overall solid team."

Boyle played up high, as an attack-midfielder, in the second half, which was a big help to the Outlaws.

"Molly has played defense on all her club teams, and for a long time, but she turned over a leaf, and really showed the team how lethal she can be as an attacking player," said Tehan.

"Molly's experience and ability to hold the ball in the attacking third propelled the whole team up the field," added Tehan. "She really hammered the other team when she started playing up top."

Boyle shared, "Although I'm playing more of an attacking midfielder, I still help back on defense. My contribution to the team is different because I'm attempting to score goals instead of stop them from happening."

Keeper Hannah Ceciliani played a fantastic game for the Outlaws, and recorded over 10 saves.

Tehan noted that Young, Olivia Stewart, and Chaundra Craig all played great together, and showed a lot of potential as new players to the team.

Stewart had four shots on goal from the midfield.

"Liz will again be an important player for us in the midfield, with her defensive strength, and good eye for distribution," stated Tehan.

Earlier in the week, on Thursday, the Outlaws were kept on their heels by Molalla for most of the first half. The Indians connected a lot of passes that the Outlaws were not able to break up in the midfield.

"We were not being aggressive enough up top as forwards, so the balls we were able get up there we were not able to keep," said Tehan. "But, we kept in the game, and despite Molalla connecting on passes, they only had three shots on goal in the first half."

Molalla was able to score off two of their three attempts. The Indians scored at the 13-minute mark off a perfect shot from far outside the 18-yard box into the upper-left-hand corner. Keeper Hannah Ceciliani was right there, and barely missed getting a save.

Molalla's second goal came after a few missed clears from the Outlaws, which finally resulted in a great shot from the Indians.

Sisters had a great turn-around in the second half. The Outlaws were much more aggressive up top, were able to win a lot of balls from Molalla, and didn't allow them to connect as many passes, which boosted team spirit.

Due to Sisters' increased aggression, the Outlaws were able to connect on their passes, and move the ball up the field fairly well.

The Outlaws switched up their formation, and had Molly Boyle join Liz Stewart and Cassandra Arruda, which created a very strong center-midfield.

M.J. Murphy also stepped up her play in the second half, and did a fantastic job at sweeper. Murphy, along with Nina Horner and Anna Ortega, kept the Indians from scoring.

Sisters only had two shots on goal the entire game, and plan to work hard on their attack this next week in practice.

"We were pleased after the second half, since we were able to turn the game around for ourselves," said Tehan. "We still would have liked a win, but that will come. We are really challenging ourselves with the pre-season schedule, and our hard work will pay off come league play."

The Outlaws will open league play at home against Sweet Home on Thursday, September 18. The following Tuesday, Sisters will travel to Elmira.