By Jeremy McDonald
Jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com
AURORA, Ore.– In one of the great rivalries in 4A Boys Soccer between North Marion and Stayton, both had freshmen who came in clutch for their respective squads in what would be a 2-1 Eagle win on Thursday afternoon.
For the Huskies, who trailed 1-0 going into the second half, they tied the game thanks to a Luke Hopper goal in the 52nd minute. It was a confidence booster for the freshman, who pointed towards that goal as validation in a way to show what he can do at the Varsity-level in a big game like this was at North Marion High School.
“We were battling back-and-forth. Both teams were making good runs, and I think we can get them next time,” said Hopper.
And in a game like this, with both teams battling tooth-and-nail with all the passion, grit and determination, you knew that this game, then tied at one after Hopper’s goal, wasn’t going to remain tied for too long.
That was when Stayton’s freshman, Cesar Perez, stepped in.
Three minutes after Hopper’s goal, Perez sent a shot from about 20 yards through North Marion’s defense and to the back of the net to give back the lead to the Eagles.
It was 2-1 Stayton at this point.
“It felt good, I was in disbelief,” Perez said of the goal. “It was a big game, and it was difficult, but then we brought it out in the second half.”
After their Newport tie last Thursday, Stayton wasn’t going to let this next tough battle result in a tie. They kept up their intensity over the final 25 minutes after Perez’ goal to keep the Huskies off the board for the decision.
That 0-0 decision was a good learning experience for the Eagles going into this past week, that resulted in wins over Sweet Home and now North Marion to close out the first loop through Oregon West Conference play 4-0-1.
“They were a tough team, and we have to work better as a team and become a better team,” starts Perez. “Communicating and being a good team together. Playing as one.”
For the Huskies, who suffered their first OWC defeat of the season, enter the second loop through league play 4-1. Those little details that helped the Eagles come out victorious and inhibit them, North Marion will look to improve on going into Tuesday’s game at Newport.
“Just improve on what we learned from today. Don’t skip passes, make the extra pass, and pick each other up,” Hopper said.
Stayton will travel to Cascade to start the second loop through league.
Photos By Jeremy McDonald
