The seniors on the Ridgefield Spudders boys soccer team entered this season with a foul taste in their mouths from last year.
The Spudders’ 2024 campaign ended in the pigtail round with a 2-1 loss to Aberdeen High School. With the fate of the 2025 season coming down to penalty kicks, Ridgefield’s players made sure they would fight to see another day.
After regular time and extras, the Spudders were tied at one a piece against the Centralia Tigers on Thursday, May 8, in the pigtail round of the 2A District 4 boys soccer tournament. With clutch saves in PKs by Ridgefield goalkeeper Drew Tretheway and the boot of Carson Young to seal the deal, the Spudders advanced to two more guaranteed games in the tournament with a 4-2 win in PKs over Centralia High School.
“They put up a good fight and definitely challenged us, but, in the end, we did come through and winning the (PKs), to me and the end there, I mean, that’s the best feeling honestly that you can feel, is your brother’s coming with you,” Young said after he was mobbed in celebration by his teammates and the Spudders student section. “That’s the whole thing this year is brotherhood. And when they come and support you, and the school comes and supports you, it’s just the best.”
Jake Roberts is in his first season as head coach for Ridgefield High School. After just five wins in league play, the season has had its ups and downs, but advancing beyond last year’s win total in dramatic fashion has meant a lot to him and the program.
“It’s almost like the culmination of a ton of hard work and the culmination of an effort that I get to see every day,” Roberts said. “And, ultimately, resilience and that these boys, not every bounce has gone our way, had a hard time scoring goals this season, but they’ve continued to impress me that they are willing to fight to the end.”
On Saturday, May 10, the Spudders matched up against the tough Columbia River Rapids, resulting in a 3-1 loss and knocking the Spuds to the loser bracket. Their season continued on Tuesday, May 13, at Aberdeen High School in a win or go home affair, but results were unavailable at press time.
