TCP; Cougars remain top in region

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

David Beasley, Sports Editor
Chris Browarski, The Clackamas Print
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Volume 47, Issue 1
Sports

Cloudy fall weather was not able to drown out the character of the Clackamas women as they donned bright pink jerseys in honor of breast cancer awareness month. Last Friday afternoon, in a match at Oregon City High School’s Pioneer Stadium, CCC Cougars tied Lane Community College Titans. Clackamas No. 4 Khadijah Kirkland is pleased with their teamwork.

“It was our best game so far, especially as a team,” said Kirkland.

It seemed that the hard-fought, stalemate battle didn’t discourage, but brought out the competitive spirit in the Cougars. Clackamas has been successful this season, but they still see room for improvement as they continue to learn to work together. One of this season’s freshmen, No. 17 Claudia Flores, is excited about this opportunity.

“I think it’s a really good experience starting out as freshmen,” said Flores.

While the match remained scoreless through 90 minutes of play, both sides looked competitive as the top two teams in the South region squared off. The Cougars started off the first half eagerly with two shots on goal. Lane also had a couple of nice shot attempts early that were saved by Clackamas goalkeeper Melanie Trumbull.

Assistant coach Miriam Coto commented on Trumbull’s perseverance.

“Melanie works really hard, she’s really intense. We kind of have to tranquilize her sometimes, but she’s a good egg,” said Coto.

Clackamas continued their aggressive attack with eight shots in the first 45 minutes, four of them very close, but stopped by Lane’s goalkeeper Samantha Schoene. At halftime the score was still 0-0.

Early in the second half Lane took a wide shot that missed its mark. On the latter of two consecutive corner kicks, Clackamas’ No. 23 kicker, Tani Harr, had a nice shot on goal that was denied by Schoene. As tension rose with the back and forth battle, the Cougars attempted a goal, but were forced back to defense. Lane fouled on their attempt at goal, receiving a yellow card. The following free kick by Clackamas sent the action back up field.

“We played hard,” said No. 9 Stephanie Corea. “[It was the] first team we actually had competition against.”

At 63 minutes on the scoreboard, the sun suddenly emerged and Corea took a good shot at Lane’s goal. The Cougars were awarded a couple of free kicks towards the latter half of the game. On the second kick, No. 2 sophomore Hope Butler lobbed a shot towards goal from center, which sailed over Lane’s defense. It just barely missed, going slightly too high and over the goal. Lane attacked and attempted a long goal but missed.

Flores had a nice shot at about 78 minutes that was saved by Schoene. Lane No. 20 Maddi Barton kept the Cougars on their toes with two back-to-back long shots from center. One barely cleared over the goal at 90 minutes on the scoreboard.
As the referee signaled the end of the match, the score remained 0-0. Lane took two shots and had seven saves in the second half. The Cougars struck eight shots and no saves were needed.

“Even though it was a tie, we felt like it was a win in our hearts,” said Flores. “We want to win playoffs. We’re going all the way.”

Throughout the game, two yellow cards were issued to each team. The Cougars forced Lane goal keeper Schoene to make 11 saves total, showing their struggle scoring was not due to lack of effort on offense. Cougar goalkeeper Trumbull collected three saves of her own, for her eighth shutout of the season. The team is off to a great start towards a successful run at the playoffs.

“We’re excited to win NWAACC,” said No. 12 Mecca Williams.

Friday’s match put the Cougars’ record at 8-1-1, they remain the top team in South region and second in NWAACC league. It provided both women’s soccer teams with their first tie of the season and broke the Cougars’ six-game winning streak. It was the first non-winning game at home this year.

Their next game will be Friday, Oct. 16, 2013 at 1 p.m. at the OCHS Pioneer Stadium against Southwestern Oregon Community College Lakers.