HS Soccer: WF West Scores Early to Take Down Centralia 1-0

10/8/24

WF West 1, Centralia 0

(Chehalis, WA) Centralia came into Bearcat Stadium with an undefeated EVCO 2A record and 4-2-3 overall. WF West was 6-2 overall and had a 2-1 league record and was looking to defend their home field.

The Bearcats came out sprinting from the opening whistle. With Rhylee Beebe flying down the right wing early on and feeding passes into the 18 yard box. In the 4th minute Beebe found Ashlen Gruginski whose shot was blocked by Tigers defender Bella Gomez. However the deflection landed right at the feet of Wyatt Rogerson who sent it home for the 1-0 lead. WF West had a similar run just 2 minutes later but this time a nice save by Centralia keeper Braylee Blankenship shut them down. From there on the game was played fairly even with neither side seeming to break the other’s defense. The half ended with the 1-0 WF West lead.

The Bearcats had more scoring chances close to goal in the match with Centralia settling for shots from long range. In the end it was the defenses of both of these teams that shined. The Tiger back line of Gomez, Dina Silva, Cyndal Sills and Jayden Krogness and the return of senior Rexy Mejia from injury was rock solid. The Bearcats defense of Kallie Hitch, Violet Radke, and Kaija Economou were just as steady. It was senior wing Emily Mallonee that shined the brightest with stellar play all over the field on her way to be named our Thorebeckes MVP. The 4th minute goal ended up being the game winner.

WF West is now 7-2 and 3-1 in league play with a game against Shelton on October 10th. The Tigers are now 4-3-3 overall and 3-1 in EVCO 2A play with a match at League leader Tumwater also on the 10th.