Sweet Revenge - By Jake Churchman

    Coming off a hard-fought win against Southridge in PKs, Richland Girls Soccer looked to keep their 5-game win streak alive against Richlands only loss this season, Kamiakin. Richland won the tough matchup defeating Kamiakin 1-0 on Tuesday, September 27, advancing to 6-1 on the season. 

Richland's Taylor Lindstrom preparing for an out-of-bounds throw for the Bombers. Photo courtesy of Alec Ammerman.

    Last week Richland Girls Soccer faced Southridge in a tough match sustaining multiple injuries. Sophomore Emry Law and Junior Bella Bunnage, both forwards for Richland, would not be able to play against Kamiakin. Midfield Senior Kelsey Fulton was still battling an ankle sprain from the tough matchup against Southridge but was able to suit up for the Bombers. The injuries seemed not to hold Richland back, and they had a solid offensive presence throughout the game. 

    The Lady Bombers were down two starters but stayed confident within themselves. When asked how the team was feeling down players, Senior captain Savannah Crithfield replied, “I am stressed but excited for new players to have the opportunity to step up and perform.” Down players, the Bombers did not falter and battled through adversity. 

    As the ref blew the whistle, the match began, and Richland would face a relentless offensive attack from Kamiakin. Three minutes into the game, Junior Alyssa Marsh saved a shot on goal from Utah State commit Kate Christian. The game continued to be a defensive battle for Richland at the 11-minute mark as Alyssa Marsch saved another shot on goal from Senior forward Margot Massey. 

    The tide shifted for Richland 25 minutes into the half with a clear from Senior Captain Savannah Crithfield that set up the bombers with excellent field position. Junior Tiffany Turner took her opportunity to score from a corner kick. Being left-footed, she was able to hook it into the back right corner of the goal bouncing off Kamiakin Senior Midfielder Kayla Cunningham. When asked about what her thought process was going into the corner kick, Tiffany replied, “I do know that I have a good left foot to hook it in, and back post is always the right answer.” Although this would be the only score for the Bombers, there remained a steady offensive attack. Freshman Kylee Kukes kept up the pace and continued to attack the backline throughout the rest of the half. 

Tiffany Turner took on the Braves on Tuesday night with the only goal of the game. Photo courtesy of Alec Ammerman.

    With hopes of tying it up, Kamiakin continued to clear Richlands attack and put shots on goal of their own. Kate Christian attempted to tie it up 30 minutes into the half but was saved yet again by Alyssa Marsh. With time ticking down in the first half, it was a battle for possession. Giving up no goals in regulation so far all season, the Bomber defense continued to step up big. With time running out in the first half Kamiakin Senior Mya Jameson attempted to hit a shot from deep outside the box but yet again was denied by goalie Alyssa Marsh. 

    It remained a battle for possession from both teams throughout the second half. Both teams continued to put shots up on goal throughout the half, with several missed opportunities. Senior captain Sorrel Stratford evaded several defenders and would have had a shot on goal, but a foul was called, setting her up with a free kick. Her free kick would ricochet off the left post and be cleared by Kamiakin defenders. Minutes later, Kamiakin’s closest goal would come at the 70th minute when Senior Kate Christian dribbled by a defender and got a shot off bouncing off the bottom of the crossbar straight down in front of the goal. Richland’s defense would continue absorbing pressure through the end of regulation and clearing multiple shots from Kamiakin. 

Kelsey Fulton helping Richland near midfield during the second half. Photo courtesy of Alec Ammerman.

    The Bombers continued to play smart and cleared the ball as extra time began to wind down. With little time left, senior defenders Savannah Crithfield and Kendal Smith continued to waste time and keep the ball on Kamiakin's half of the field. Once the final whistle was blown, ending the game, the Richland student section would go electric and create a tunnel for the girls to run through. After beating their only loss so far back at Bomber Field, Senior Captain Kelsey Fulton was asked what the difference between the games was; she replied, “There is definitely a big difference playing on grass and being able to use the size of our field to our advantage, but we were definitely able to build out of our backline and posses the ball better through the midfield.” Richland moves to a strong 6-1 on the season and will likely move to the top of the MCC once again.