Philomath marks end of season for girls soccer team

The Huskies finished their foray into state playoffs in girls soccer on Thursday at Philomath, losing 5-0.

Philomath, ranked number one at the time, scored three goals in the first half and two in the second. The team is ranked number two this week behind Mazama.

The Huskies faced two challenges going into the game, injuries and a tough opponent.

Some five Huskies were sidelined with injuries, said Coach Ramiro Santana. “We had two girls playing with tape and bandages.”

Rachel Jones played a half hour while still recovering from a concussion.

Last year’s champion, Philomath finished league play in the Oregon West Conference undefeated and a single loss overall, and the players themselves were bigger than the Huskies, giving them an advantage on headers.

“They looked like they were already scared before we played,” Santana said. “They were a little intimidated. I think they psyched themselves a little more than they should have. We could have played them better.”

“I think just that day, we just didn’t come together and play as a team,” said team co-Captain Kristen Tolle.

That’s in contrast to the team’s last game against Junction City, a tough team they have had trouble beating in the past.

The Huskies had lots of talent on the field, Tolle said. Players were doing well, but they just couldn’t get together.

Even losing during the season, the Huskies improved in each game, Santana said. This time, the team didn’t have the passing, the control or concentration it normally has and didn’t play at the level it should have.

A couple of times, things kind of clicked, and the Huskies took the ball to the other side of the field, Santana said. The Huskies did manage six or seven shots. They also managed to repel corner kicks.

Out of the whole season, this was the game where the Huskies played off from normal, Santana said. “We hit that wall for the first time.”

The Huskies finished the season 5-5 in league and 6-7-1 overall.

“We did well,” Santana said. “We played good. It was not a bad season.”

They probably could have done better, he said, but the last five games of the season, the team suffered numerous injuries.

“It was a rough road,” Santana said. “We had a great team – just too many players hurt. Overall, I think we did great.”

“Junction City was probably the highlight,” Tolle said. “It was just an amazing game, especially the last 10 minutes (holding off Junction City’s offense). I think the season went really, really well.”

As a senior, Tolle honestly wouldn’t make any changes – except maybe for a few more wins, she said. With the talent and girls her team had, “we did an amazing job. I think we did a great job. It was definitely a fun year.”

Looking forward, she advises her younger teammates to “focus on the game of soccer and how much you love it,” she said. “Don’t get caught up in drama.”

Santana thanked the parents for all of their sacrifices and support throughout the season.

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