By Jeremy McDonald
Jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com
SALEM, Ore.– The McKay Boys Soccer team eventually found the back of the net with how they were playing to open their Central Valley Conference game against South Salem on Monday night.
They controlled the possession in the first half, but couldn’t capitalize on those opportunities going into the second half in what began as a 0-0 game on the road. But, early in the second half, they managed to capitalize on those chances.
Two quick goals, one by Denerick Lopez and another by Kevin Nodal, the Scots led 2-0 against the Saxons. Nodal’s goal was his first Varsity goal with the freshman makinig his Varsity debut.
“It feels amazing, I’m speechless. It was amazing, it just happened, flashed before my eyes. I’m proud, time to get the win and keep on going,” said Nodal. “We were controlling the whole game. We kind of fell off, but once we got the first goal, we got it back up again. Then with the second goal, we secured the win, it feels amazing.”
With momentum in their favor, it seemed as if McKay were on their way to their fourth league victory of the season.
South Salem, however, had other plans. Both teams, along with West Salem, are vying for the CVC Boys Soccer League Title so far. And a positive decision here could go a long way in that race to the Title. The Saxons found a gear and started putting pressure on the Scots. And for the most part, McKay held their ground.
Then. Eight minutes left in the game, the Saxons punched through a header goal by Max Sturges. The once 2-0 lead was now 2-1 with plenty of time for South to possibly pull even with McKay after going down two goals early.
“That was something we struggled with. We should have started faster in the first half. We conceded in those first two minutes and that set a bad tone for that half. After the goal, we started to pick it up, but it was still a struggle to find those creative gaps,” said Sturges.
South Salem came into the game motivated, pointed out Sturges, pointing towards their first league game of the year against McKay that saw the Scots winning 2-0. They felt ready as they’ve matured and improved since that Mid-September road game. And it showed as they kept pressuring and challenging McKay, but the Scots defense held strong with the game ending with a 2-1 decision in favor of McKay.
“We took a tough loss to the same team in the season opener, and as we got deeper into the regular season, we started to find our form a lot more. We felt really good going into this game. We saw this as a great step in winning league. It was a tough loss, but I still think we can bounce back and take the title,” said Sturges.
Coming out of their last two games, against South on Monday and coming out of their 0-0 tie against North Salem on Thursday, it looks like McKay may be hitting their stride. And just in time too with the second-loop through league in full-swing and them being in the thick of things in the Title Race with four games left in the regular season.
“I felt like it was a 50/50 game. Hard fought game the whole game. Against North (Salem) and tonight, we’re playing our best Soccer. A little change in formation, a little change in format on where the players are playing, it’s really helping us out. We’re such a young team…but little-by-little, we’re getting there,” said McKay Head Coach Juan Llamas.
McKay will host Sprague on October 12, South Salem will head to McNary on October 12.
Photos By Jeremy McDonald
