The Huskies started out strong against Creswell, a quarter-finalist in 3A state playoffs last year; in girls soccer; but they ran out of gas in the second half to lose 7-0 in their opening game at home.
Throughout the first half, they held their own, even after giving up a penalty kick in the minute 20.
Creswell slipped in a shot at the last second in the first half to lead 2-0 at halftime.
The Huskies had at least six good shots on goal, including a corner kick from Ashley Wickline that sailed over the goal.
“It was good for the first half,” said Coach Ramiro Santana. Creswell is a strong team that only lost three players last year. “They’ve still got a very strong team.
“We played them, I would say, good.”
Even down two at halftime, “we were in great shape,” Santana said. They had their chances in the first half, and they dominated the field. They just couldn’t connect their shots.
In the second half, the Huskies looked a little worn out, Santana said, but he thinks if the Huskies had scored one of those early shots, it would have been a different game.
Creswell were worried when the Huskies took the field and threatened them at their goal during the first half, Santana said.
At this point, he will makes some adjustments to the lineup and move people around the field, Santana said, and “we need to get in better shape, a little more conditioning.”
The Huskies brought great pressure and defense to the game, he said, but they weren’t able to keep it up through both halves.
At midfield, he’ll be looking for the girls to pass a little quicker and communicate better, he said.
The Huskies were scheduled to play at Pleasant Hill on Tuesday. They will host Newport on Sept. 15.