By Jeremy McDonald
Jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com
SILVERTON, Ore.– It wasn’t the decision that they wanted, but a tie still gives them a point going into their final few games in Mid-Willamette Conference play.
Silverton’s scoreless tie with Crescent Valley did live up to the billing between the two of the best teams in the MWC. Their defenses are two of the best in the 5A classification and two of six teams who haven’t allowed more than six goals each. The Raiders, who allowed four to this point, and Foxes, who’ve allowed six, combined for ten goals allowed between them with a combined 16 shutouts after Tuesday’s 0-0 tie, lived up to the hype.
Finding in some fashion to hold off the other’s stellar offenses at bay despite some nice drives by the two squads on this particular evening.
“The defense was incredible, I love having the defense that I do because they really uplift me. They listen to me when I talk to them. They really know how to play the game of soccer. They’ve grown so much, and I’m really proud of them,” said Silverton goalie Madeline Neideigh.
And this game was intense as well. It was an intensity that the Foxes hadn’t seen too often this season, but after a feeling out process there in the opening forty minutes, Silverton came around. Matching the intensity and physicality that they were going up against by way of CV.
“We haven’t seen a lot of that this season, but I think it’s good to get a tie. It’s a good reality check to get us motivated for playoffs,” said Marley Wertz. “It’s good to see our team connect, work hard, and realize that we’re still in it. We just need one more goal.”
The Foxes, who are still tied with the Raiders for first-place in Mid-Willamette Conference play at 5-0-1, will close out the regular season with South Albany, McKay and Woodburn. Silverton will be at South Albany on Thursday.
Photos By Jeremy McDonald
