By Jeremy McDonald
Jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com
SALEM, Ore.– The South Salem Boys Soccer team left it all out on the pitch Thursday night against McMinnville.
After surrendering a first-half goal, the Saxons held the Grizzlies to just that. Every time the team from Mac came, South Salem’s defense, anchored by Omar Franco, had an answer by way of a stop.
“After that first goal… they got back strong, and we went up from there. They didn’t make any more mistakes after that,” said Franco. “This was a big game. Tough team that we played, and with the tie, it was great.”
It was 1-0 at half, and it was the same for much of the second half. Their offense created opportunities to pressure McMinnville’s Diego Fabela in return to allow Franco and their defense to reload and recover for the next Grizzlies push. The passion. The heart. The determination to show that they belong in this game. It was there as they looked to tie up the game late in regulation.
Then. In the closing minutes of the game. Lady Luck was on the side of the South Salem footballers as they tied it up at one.
Diego Cruz, battling a cramp mid-opportunity, connected on a shot to help the Saxons draw even with McMinnville.
And though they didn’t get the win, the tie to go with their 3-1 victory against Tualatin has set a good tone for the season ahead.
“To be honest with you, I was cramping bad there,” laughs Cruz. “My whole calves and legs… I was thinking overhead kick there, but I had to make sure I put it in with the header. (These last two games) have been huge.”
South Salem will head to play at La Salle Prep on Monday before heading home on September 13 to play Hidden Valley/New Hope Christian.
