Richland Begins a Win Streak vs Hermiston - by Andres Pineda
Richland looks like they are getting into a groove of winning by beating Hermiston 2-0. This outright win makes this the second game in a row they have won without going into PKs (which they've had many this year). This game had one clear MVP, and that is junior #8 Mackenzie Thonney. She would sink two free-kicks and give the girls the 'W'.
The first free-kick came from about the 20-yard line (Hermiston plays on their football field). She would drop an absolute beauty, making it top right corner of the goal, leaving the HHS goalie no chance of reaching it. Thonney's second free-kick was a closer target from near the 10-yard line. She would kick a rocket of a shot that went within reach of the goalie. However, the power from the shot made the ball slide right through the goalie's hands and went in to give the girls a two-score advantage.
This was a hotly contested game and far from a clean one. There would be many questionable calls and inconsistencies between officials making calls, affecting the pacing and flow of the gameplay. There would also be some communication breakdowns and disputes happening within Hermiston's own team, which Richland was able to capitalize on.
Prior to the game, I interviewed one of the bystanders for the Hermiston Bulldogs, asking him about Hermiston's season and the game at hand. When asked if he believed Hermiston could come out on top, he wasn't optimistic. He said we've heard Richland was a better team this year than Hermiston.
However, the Bombers didn't make it easy on themselves. Penalties would be an issue that put the team in danger. # 17 Peyton Anderson would receive a yellow card for pushing with four minutes left in the first half. A score just before halftime would be the boost the Bulldog's needed, but they were unable to capitalize on the opportunity. #23 Bella Arroyo would also receive a yellow card for pushing at about 20 minutes into the second half. This would give Hermiston a potential scoring position. The free kick would be at about the 20-yard line. Again, though, Hermiston would be unable to convert. A straight kick to the center of the goal would be met by the Bomber's very own keeper #1 Kenzie Christain. For the game, Christain would go on to have three huge saves during gameplay, one save from the free kick , and another from a penalty kick. With all the PKs that have taken place this year, it has really given Kenzie the reps needed to be a great keeper and continue to be strong.
The score could have been a larger spread for the Lady Bombers. #10 Niyah Gallegos received a great pass at about the 10-yard line and connected with the back of the net for a score. Unfortunately, she was called for offsides and did not count. Again, it was another inconsistent, questionable call from a game that seemed to never get a true 'soccer pace'. Also, #19 Kearyn Elfering had an opportunity to cushion the lead with a heads-up match against the goalkeeper. Kylee Kukes was a valuable asset with many great crosses in the game. She was able to place a 1vs1 matchup with Elfering but the HHS goalkeeper was able to make an incredible block.
Richland Ladies soccer has an incredible defense. This season, their areas of improvement seem to be in finishing the opportunities given to them. If they are able to figure out how to capitalize on all the scoring opportunities they receive, they will be one of the top teams in the state. These games are enjoyable to watch and people should get out and watch these awesome girls get after it on the pitch!
