By Jeremy McDonald
Jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com
SALEM, Ore.– It wasn’t the prettiest of games, but the McKay Boys Soccer team got it done.
It was a slow start to their game against Crook County. The Cowboys, new to 5A in their second year back after two successful deep playoff runs in 4A in 2023 and 2024, used their height and physicality to hold the Scots to one goal in the opening 40 minutes.
But McKay responded. In the back 40 minutes, the Scots scored twice. Diego Rosales scored in the opening minutes of the second half to give the Scots a 2-0 lead, while Denerick Lopez added another goal to restore the two-goal advantage after Crook County cut into the deficit following Rosales’ goal.
It was McKay’s grit and heart that helped them battle through the early season fatigue and some adjustments to their lineup going into the game, the Scots were missing a few players from Tuesday’s game, that helped lead to an eventual 3-1 home victory.
“I think it was the heart that we have in ourselves. It’s one of the things we’re the best at. We’re all willing to put in the effort and we’re all willing to work as a team for everyone. That’s what I think makes us successful,” said Rosales.
McKay Head Coach Juan Llamas spoke highly of his team’s ability to adjust on the fly, saying seeing them succeed in those situations is just a plus for the coaching staff and Varsity program as a whole. It shows they can plug someone into a different role when needed and have them contribute to the team.
“Oh I like it, and that’s the exciting part of this team. There’s so many parts that can play different roles, obviously 11 can start and so if people get injured, it’s good for me to know, ‘ok, this person can cover this spot, this person can cover that spot’, so that way I could know that, and use that, in the future,” “But I’m excited. Super young team and I’m excited to know that they’re able to play different roles.”
McKay heads to Churchill on Thursday before closing out their non-league schedule on September 15 at home against Newberg. The Scots open Central Valley Conference play on September 17 against South Salem at home.
Photos By Jeremy McDonald
