By Jeremy McDonald
Jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com
SALEM, Ore.– The McNary Girls Soccer team are now 3-0 in Central Valley Conference play.
Their 3-0 start came way following another strong performance as they defeated Sprague 2-1 on Thursday afternoon at Sprague High School. And the win, it came off an intense game between two squads that entered the game undefeated in league play at 2-0.
“We all came out knowing that we need to win this game after beating South, beating North. We have to keep up the energy no matter what,” said McNary’s Sophia Schlag.
And the Celtics had the energy in this one. Outside of a quick goal in the eighth minute by away of Sofia Olmedo, McNary held the Olympians offense in check. Matter of fact, the Celtics offense proved to be the aggressor in this one coming off of their four-goal performance Monday against South Salem in their 4-3, comeback-from-behind-victory.
The Olympians were able to contain the McNary offense. Emma Riddle and the Sprague defense were able to clog the throughways and passed the ball around to disrupt the flow that the Celts had.
But eventually, McNary was able to find the back of the net. Mayela Victoria tied the game up at one in the 47th minute.
And for much of the remainder of the game, it felt like it was going to be a draw between the two squads. McNary pressured with their offense. Sprague’s defense stepped up. Both teams were intense and emotions were high, making it for a great game on the pitch down the stretch.
Then. In the final minutes of the game. Three minutes left to be exact, McNary was able to pull ahead.
Schlag capitalized on an opportunity on the left side of the field, finishing the chance that put the Celtics ahead 2-1 with three minutes left in the game.
It proved, ultimately, to be the game-winning goal.
“I was just waiting for it. I was just waiting, waiting and waiting and I finally got that ball and it got back of the net,” Schlag said.
McNary improves to 3-0 in league play entering Monday’s game at home against McKay. Sprague, who were coming off of league wins against West Salem (1-0) and McKay (5-1) will travel to play North Salem on Monday before wrapping up the first loop through league Thursday at home against West Salem.
Photos By Jeremy McDonald
