TCP; Strife ensues at Starfire Stadium

This article originally ran at www.theclackamasprint.com. Too see the original, click here.

David Beasley, Associate Sports Editor
Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2012
Volume 46, Issue 7
Sports

Roaring past Starfire Stadium Saturday morning in Tukwila, Wash., a train overshadowed a pugilistic battle of strategy and athleticism going on below. In the train’s shadow the women of Clackamas Community College were engaged in a battle of attrition against a strong, well balanced Spokane team.

The hard fought game ended in bitter disappointment for the Cougars with the Sasquatch ladies winning 1-0. With the victory, Spokane entered the NWAACC Championship to face the Peninsula Pirates, losing 3-2 on penalty kicks on Nov. 18.

“It’s a hard way to go out,” said sophomore forward Courtney Johnson. “I think we had to deal with the ref all game. Sometimes they’re just not on your side.”

The game was close and Clackamas had a good opportunity to win, but after the 90th minute mark had passed, their efforts were stifled not by the opposing team, but by a belligerent official call, on a negligible foul by Spokane.

While Clackamas was advancing the ball up field in amazingly dexterous coordination of teamwork, the referee decided to halt their progress by making them take a free kick over fifty yards behind the advancing ball.

Clackamas was defending well the whole game, and made consistent valiant attempts at scoring which could have eventually lead to frustrating their opponents and created a winning attack. The following result of the free kick was one of Spokane’s players standing close in front of the free kick to deflect it with a header aimed towards the Cougars side. The ball found a Spokane teammate who took advantage of the poor refereeing to score on surprised cougar defense signaling the end of the game and Clackamas’ run at the champion title.

“They did really good. I’m proud of my sister,” said Jordan Hollamon, sister of Kenzie Hollamon. “The ref call was just unlucky.”

Clackamas displayed a tank strength clinic of defense in the first half, frustrating the offensive attacks of Spokane.

At halftime the teams took cover escaping the rain under trees and tents. The scoreboard reflected the even 0-0 score. Clackamas kicked off for the second half and as the wind picked up, it seemed the Sasquatch offensive did too. With six corner kicks acquired through the campaign, the ladies of Spokane proved that they were there for a fight and wanted to score.

The Cougars had an impressive run at the NWAACC tournament, rivaled by few in the 2012 season. This season showed the consistency and dedication of the hard working women of Clackamas. With such a strong performance this year, Clackamas is sure to be even stronger in the years to come, with 13 potential returnees.

“I think they played a great season,” said Tyler Trumbull, father of goalkeeper Melanie Trumbull. “They improved and coach Janine Szpara helped a lot.”