HS G Soccer: Montesano outlasts Elma in EVCO 1A Showdown

10/4/2022

Montesano 2, Elma 1

(Montesano, WA) The Bulldogs are coming off a State Final 4 finish last year and looking to get back but first need to take care of business in the EVCO 1A and hosted the Elma Eagles who were focused on their own deep run into post season this year as both squads came in with 2-0 league marks and only 1 loss overall.

As the match started both teams were looking for the fast start and both did. Montesano struck first in just the 4th minute when Mikayla Stanfield lobbed a beautiful crossing pass right in front of the goal and Lily Causey then punched it in for the quick score.

The Eagles did not wait long for the equalizer, just 2 minutes later with a 2 person attack. Miley Seaberg dished the ball off to Beta Valentine who found the back of the net to tie the match at 1-1. The two teams would each get additional runs and the Bulldogs had a couple of corner kicks but neither team could budge the 1-1 tie at the halftime break.

In the 2nd half the Montesano Bulldogs relied on the same scoring combination to re-take the lead when Stanfield broke down the right side and circled back sending a pass to a streaking Causey but the ball was too far in front and Eagles keeper Emmie Spencer blocked it but the ball bounced loose and Causey was there to knock it in and the Bulldogs went up 2-1 in the 51st minute.

Elma tried to counter and had a couple of strong opportunities but either the shot missed or the Bulldog defense got there just in time to deny the Eagles the 2nd half equalizer. Montesano looked to put away the match in the final 20 minutes but Spencer came up big time and again with some terrific saves along with her backline led by Valerie Echeverria.

Montesano had big efforts from their keeper as well in Riley Timmons along with Ali Parkin, Vanna Prom and Anabelle Estrada. The Thorbeckes MVP of the game went to Lily Causey scoring both goals.

Montesano is now 3-0 in league play and 8-1 overall and will host King’s Way Christian on Thursday in non-league play. Elma drops to 2-1 in EVCO play and 8-2 overall and travels to Eatonville on Thursday for an afternoon match with the Cruisers.