Girls Soccer: Montesano holds off Centralia 2-1 in a Non-Leaguer

9/17/2024

Montesano 2, Centralia 1

(Centralia, WA) In a non-league match-up the Montesano Bulldogs were looking for a win with some reserves playing a prominent role as they are near the end a tough non-league schedule which wraps up on Thursday against State finalist Klahowya on Thursday. Coach Fidel Sanchez came into the match with the Tigers expecting a physical match and that’s what they got. Sanchez was missing 3 starters and relied on a heavy rotation of subs to fill the gaps against the Centralia defense.

The Tigers came in 0-1-1 and were looking to score their 1st goal of the year. The Tigers have been led by their defense early on this season but they certainly need to get the offense rolling.

Montesano did strike first in the 34th minute on a goal from Jaelyn Butterfield and the Bulldogs went to the break with a 1-0 lead. Butterfield broke free on a fast break and quickly got into a 1 on 1 with Tiger keeper Braylee Blankenship. She caught Blankenship off guard a little with the speed she was able to break away and penetrated deep in the box to score the goal.

In the 2nd half Butterfield would strike again

Centralia had several strong scoring chances but still could not get the ball in the net until Ana Blankenship broke the ice and scored in the 74th. Centralia came right back and had another chance for the equalizer but the Bulldog defense held firm.

Centralia got solid performances from Bella Gomez, Olivia Gruginski and Cyndal Sills. Montesano’s Sam Roundtree, Mary Campbell and keeper Izzie Taylor with 6 saves all had big games.

Our Thorbeckes MVP of the match was pretty easy with Jaelyn Butterfield scoring both goals she was the MVP for the Bulldogs. Montesano is now 3-2-0 and faces Klahowya on Thursday and Centralia is now 0-2-1 with a match versus Rochester also on Thursday and both are non-league matches.

For more on this match check out the ESN post game show below and some game highlights.

Link to watch the full match on the NFHS Network (Subscription required)