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While the Canby’s boys soccer squad will not qualify for the playoffs this year, the team was able to pick up their second win of the season with a victory over Oregon City this past Monday.
The Cougars (2-10, 2-8 Three Rivers League) grabbed their first road win of the season and second win over the Pioneers (2-11, 1-10 TRL) with the 3-1 victory.
The game started out slowly for both teams, with neither able to develop anything until the Cougars struck in the 34th minute when Vladimir Bernal-Lopez earned a free kick.
Bernal-Lopez’s kick was deflected off of the keeper — but the ball wound up with Canby’s Cristian Sanchez Ramirez, who pelted the ball past the Pioneer back line to put the Cougars on the board.
Canby Men’s Soccer on Twitter: “A great last effort on the home field one last time. Thank you to our Seniors and our exchange student, Nacho! #onetownoneteam pic.twitter.com/2qNM3WIaa6 / Twitter”
A great last effort on the home field one last time. Thank you to our Seniors and our exchange student, Nacho! #onetownoneteam pic.twitter.com/2qNM3WIaa6
All year, Ryan McCormack’s squad have been able to attack quickly after scores — and the trend continued Monday. It would take only 90 seconds for the Cougars to find the goal again.
Canby senior Alan Ojeda quickly forced a turnover, and the Cougs quickly turned to a transition opportunity. Sean Gearheart was able to knock one past the Pioneer goalie to give Canby a 2-0 halftime lead.
Oregon City came out of the gates hungry and ready to get back in the game. Eight minutes into the half, a header from Carter Phelps got the Pioneers back in contention. For the next 30 minutes, the Canby defense rose to the occasion.
“[Our] defensive line of Juniors Heladio Vera, Bryant Santos, Carlos Perez and Mario Bautista held strong to close the game out,” said Ryan McCormack.
Sophomore Ergar Ojeda was able to tap in an insurance goal with six minutes remaining to make the score 3-1 and preserve the victory. As the final horn sounded, Canby picked up their second win of the season, both of which have come against the Pioneers.
After their Monday win, the boys had a home match against the Tigard Tigers on Wednesday, a game they would end up losing 3-0 on an emotional senior night. With the loss, the Cougars have one game remaining on their schedule, next Monday against West Linn. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.