Soccer: Raymond/South Bend outlasts Tenino in critical match

4/19/2023

Raymond/South Bend 1, Tenino 0

(Tenino, WA) Coming into this EVCO 1A match-up both the RSB Ravens and Tenino Beavers were in need of a win if they hope to make the post season. Both teams may be in a position now to have to win out to get in so this match was critical to both sides.

Tenino began the match with a strong offensive push but about 6 minutes in the Ravens keeper Oscar Juarez changed the tempo when Tenino’s Max Craig broke free and had a 1-on-1 with Juarez. Craig fired the ball high but Juarez was able to get his hand up and not only tipped it out from scoring but blocked it and had the presence of mind to run down the loose ball avoiding a Tenino corner kick or re-possession deep in the box.

That play seemed to motivate the Ravens and they turned the page and began some deep attacks into Tenino territory. However, both defenses and keepers were stone cold. Tenino led by keeper Brock Mauer who had 6 saves on the night and backline of Ben Justus, David Ruedy and Alex Reichelderfer. Tenino’s David Espinoza was a midfielder but was a presence all over the field from backline defense to attack mode offense.

For the Ravens, the defensive line was led by Alexander Bucio who also did most of the free kicks and booted the ball deep time and again. Also playing big for the RSB were Alexander’s brother Fabian Bucio, Fernando Jiminez and Malachi Duckworth. Meantime, Juarez knocked down 8 saves. The offensive pressure came from Edgar Ramirez, Adam Mora and Ashton Kongbouakhay.

The scoring play came in the 24th minute off a midfield free kick by Alexander Bucio that bounced inside the box and Kongbouakhay ran it down and passed it out to an open Ramirez who fired the shot but was blocked by one of the Beaver defenders but the ball bounced right back to Ramirez who hit another laser to the left side out of reach of Mauer. This gave the Ravens all the offense they would need and made that 1 goal hold up for the win.

Raymond/SouthBend improves to 4-6 in league play and 5-6 overall while Tenino drops to 5-6 in league play and 5-8 overall. RSB will host Forks on Friday and Tenino is off until next Wednesday when they host Eatonville. Our Thorbeckes MVP awards went to RSB’s Oscar Juarez and Alexander Bucio we couldn’t decide between the two so they are co-MVP award winners and for Tenino David Espinoza.

Link to watch full replay of match on NFHS Network