The Huskies opened their boys soccer season with a 2-2 tie at Valley Catholic in Beaverton on Thursday.
“Overall, really pleased with the game,” said Coach Eric Stutzer. “We had a number of kids go down sick with a stomach bug, so we were pretty depleted.”
Most were junior varsity players, but the varsity was down to starters, he said. That forced some adjustments, which landed on Ramon Mateo on defense.
Valley Catholic scored about midway through the first half on a defensive error, Stutzer said. “We were able to capitalize on a foul late in the first half. Saw a weakness on their line, so I moved Noah Webb forward to take pressure off of (Austin) Stevens so he could get free. The plan worked, and Austin Stevens punched the ball in on a hard-fought play.”
Valley Catholic scored another goal long into the second half on another defensive error, Stutzer said. “But the guys hung in even though they were exhausted and fought hard.”
Valley Catholic was starting to lose shape in midfield, so Stutzer moved Mateo to center mid to shift momentum.
“The move worked and set Valley on their heels,” Stutzer said. “With about 46 seconds left, Austin Stevens found a weak point and buried another goal in the back of the net to tie it up.”
The Huskies had two opportunities to win the game in the final seconds but fell short.
Valley Catholic outshot the Huskies 19-13, while keeper Rowland Lupoli had six quality saves, Stutzer said.
The Huskies had three fouls compared to 12 by Valley Catholic, “which I believe was the difference in the game,” Stutzer said.
“Oscar Hernandez was a standout on defense,” Stutzer said. “We have some work to do, but the boys put forth an excellent effort in the face of adversity and exceeded expectations.”
The Huskies are 0-0-1. They were scheduled to travel to Tillamook on Tuesday, host Douglas on Thursday and Newport on Sept. 13.