The Hockinson Hawks soccer squad kicked off their season against their league rival Ridgefield Spudders on natural grass accompanied by heavy rain, hail and appearances from the full moon before the lunar eclipse.
After a score of 1-1 in regulation, and then in overtime, the match gave way to a round of penalty kicks. The Hawks found the back of the net three times while Ridgefield did not for a Hockinson win, splitting the league points on Thursday, March 13.
The tough match yielded three yellow cards against players, a lot of grabbing and the occasional shove during play in what has grown to be an epic 2A Greater St. Helens league rivalry match between the Hawks and Spuds.
“So we knew coming in when we saw the schedule and saw Ridgefield first, like, we always play a competitive game against them,” Hockinson head coach Tony Ayala said. “They’ve always had a really, really good program. We knew they had a new coach, going to have some new energy and some different ideas, so we knew they wanted to start off league on the right foot and we wanted to do the same.”
At the start of the game, Ayala said Ridgefield was the aggressor and had a multitude of opportunities with shots on net, none very threatening, though.
“Then, we settled into that first half, and then second half, I thought we controlled the whole second half and then just miscommunicated in the back,” Ayala said. “We have a new goalkeeper this year and thought we could have done better there. Unfortunately, that’s the way the ball balances, and then pretty much to golden goal and it’s always nervy, right?”
In the second half, the best opportunity of the night led to a header goal by Hockinson senior captain Alonzo Flores to go up 1-0. Closer to the end of regulation, with Hockinson seemingly in control, a backfield miscommunication led to a Ridgefield goal by Noah Swenson to tie it up.
Hockinson’s new goalkeeper, Jasper Armstrong, had a strong performance with five saves.
“Really, really pleased with the victory. Really, really pleased with the effort,” Ayala said.
Hockinson and Ridgefield both suffered injuries in the match.
The Hockinson Hawks next played Pullman High School at home on Friday, March 14, resulting in a 3-1 loss, and then they were on the road to Woodland on Monday, March 17, but results were unavailable at press time. They next play at Washougal High School on Wednesday, March 19, at 7 p.m.
The Spudders traveled to Washougal High School on Monday, March 17, but results were unavailable at press time. They next host Mark Morris High School on Wednesday, March 19, at 7 p.m.
