Great Win

Last night's game against Kennewick was the best game the Suns have played so far this year. The boys came out ready to play and showed focus and determination throughout the whole game. Since last Saturday's win over Wenatchee the players had been anxiously awaiting their cross town rivals who have been playing their best soccer in years.

We wanted to come out ready to play from the opening whistle and it took just two minutes for Jarad Brisbin to spring Jake Zoulek into open space and the freshmen did well to calmly slot the ball underneath the on rushing keeper. It was just a few minutes later that a free kick was earned just short of the midfield and it was Senior Captain Tanner Crass who sent a beautiful ball into the box. The Kennewick keeper came out to try and gather the ball but Sophomore Zack Russell redirected the ball at the last moment and collected his second goal of the year. Crass collected his fourth assist of the season and his second in two games. The Lions had trouble dealing with the physical play of Southridge and with the referee deciding to award the vast majority of the calls to Kennewick the Suns were doing well to take the 2-0 lead into halftime.

The boy's were excited to have the lead but they weren't satisfied and they knew Kennewick wouldn't give up in the second half. Coach Elfering made a few minor adjustments to the formation and told the team to keep playing hard. It was in the third minute of the second half when the game was put away, and again it was the Brisbin-Zoulek connection that beat the Lions defense. Freshmen Jake Zoulek collected his team tying seventh goal of the season which is good for third best in the League. Junior Captain Jarad Brisbin brought his league leading assist total to nine, which goes along with his seven goals.

Once again the defense played outstanding as they had to deal with Kennewick's in form striker who had scored five goals in just four varsity games played. The defense manhandled the opposing team and Junior Captain Brandon Hale came up with a season high 10 saves to earn his eighth shutout of the year. None of his saves were more important than in the first half when the game was 1-0, a Kennewick winger took a shot from about 25 yards out. With Hale off his line to cut down the angle the player hit a beautiful shot that would have scored on most any keeper in our league. But hale stretched his 6'2" frame and punched the ball over the cross bar for the crucial save.

We as coaches, fans, and parents are extremely proud of the way the team played last night, it was a huge game for the league standings as well as for school pride. This is the brand of Southridge Soccer that we expect to be played game in and game out.