SHS drops two, improvement continues

Oct. 8, 2021 — Though they were unable to get that elusive first league-play win, the Siuslaw Viking soccer team continued to battle through the Sky-Em soccer season last week. On Oct. 4, they lost to Cottage Grove 6-1 and, on Oct. 6, Marist beat the Vikings 8-0.

On Monday, Cottage Grove, the top team in the Sky-Em League, came to town.

Siuslaw Coach Londi Tomaro knew it would be an uphill battle against the No. 11 ranked team in the state, but knew what she wanted the team to focus on going into the game.

“We talked before the game about movement off the ball, creating opportunities and passing well,” said Tomaro.

It was a game of two halves for the Vikings as they gave up six goals to the Lions in half one but held them scoreless in the second.

It may have taken the first half for the Vikings to get going, but when it was all said and done, Tomaro was pleased in her team’s effort.

“The team really stepped up their game and had an impressive showing against a highly ranked team,” said Tomaro. “Our team had fantastic defense in the second half and continued to press on the attack, stringing together passes and working the ball up the field to create chances in front of the net.”

Late in the second half, sophomore Dylan Jensen capitalized on a through pass to get past the defense. He scored the Vikings’ lone goal with a shot past the Cottage Grove goalkeeper to the far corner of the net.

Senior Kayden Lane had a great game in goal for the Vikings, making 14 saves in the first half and 9 in the second.

On Wednesday, Siuslaw faced Marist, of Eugene. The Spartans used an effective strategy that caused heaps of problems for the Vikings.

“The Marist forward line was very fast and moved the ball well,” said Tomaro. “They effectively pulled our defense to the outsides and then placed the ball back in the middle where they had additional players waiting to attack goal.”

This technique worked, as the Spartans scored seven goals in the first half. Though the Vikings went scoreless, they were able to get off 11 shots on goal. Jensen had 4 shots, freshman Chuck Nelson had 3, senior Jason Garcia 2 and sophomore Braxton Hulet and junior Alex Goss with one each.

Marist scored an eighth goal at the beginning of the second half, ending the game via the “mercy rule.”

The Siuslaw soccer program is in its second year of varsity play.

Now, a net is needed to encircle the team’s soccer field on the corner of 27^th and Oak streets. The net is being purchased in sections. Recently, the team received a donation to help purchase another section. Any additional donations would be greatly appreciated by Tomaro and the Siuslaw soccer program. Those interested in donating can contact her at [email protected].

The Vikings are next on the pitch Monday, Oct. 11, at Marshfield in Coos Bay. They return home on Oct. 13 to face Junction City at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free.