Ridgefield High School’s girls soccer team continued to build momentum with a 1-0 victory over the Woodland Beavers on Tuesday, Oct. 13, relying on a coordinated team effort and a defense that has made scoring difficult for league opponents.
The Spudders found the early breakthrough from Kennedy Byers, who scored off an assist from Izzy Brown, and carried the 1-0 lead into halftime before holding on for the shutout performance by goalkeeper Opal Ruddy. Aurora Horning was named Ridgefield’s Player of the Game by coaches.
Head coach Mallory Hall said the matchup carried significance for both teams and required a full 80 minutes of effort.
“It was a hard-fought game, you know. We knew coming in that this was going to mean a lot to both teams and that it was going to have to take 80 minutes of full effort,” Hall said. “I'm really proud of my girls for understanding the gravity of this game and coming up and showing up for the challenge.”
Ridgefield’s success came through the style of play Hall and her team have worked to establish in recent games. Rather than relying on individual efforts, the Spudders have focused on moving the ball efficiently, building attacks together and creating quality scoring opportunities.
“I really think it was just good team soccer tonight,” Hall said. “It's what we've been really trying to string together these last couple of games of playing in that one-and-two touch, building up as a team, creating good opportunities, and then just putting the ball in the back of the net.”
The defensive performance was equally important. Hall expressed confidence in Ruddy and the back line, noting the team’s success at preventing opponents from scoring during league play.
“You know, I have the belief that I have the best keeper in the state and one of the best back lines in the state,” Hall said. “And so we have yet in league play to have an in-play goal scored on us. And so hopefully that's what we can continue doing and just lock teams down.”
With the postseason approaching, Hall said the Spudders are working to stay focused on the immediate challenge rather than looking too far ahead. The team’s approach centers on treating each matchup as its own test and respecting every opponent.
“I mean, I wouldn't consider it revenge,” Hall said when asked about the significance of the win over Woodland after suffering a 1-0 loss to the Beavers earlier in the season. “I think it's more just, one team at a time. We understand that we have a lot in our own control and we want to make sure that we don't leave it up to anybody else.”
Hall said Ridgefield’s players have embraced that mentality, with upperclassmen setting an example for the rest of the team. The coaching staff emphasizes the importance of each match during practices, regardless of the opponent or the team’s position in the season.
“Every single game matters, and we cannot overlook anybody,” Hall said.
The Spudders additionally won 5-1 over Mark Morris High School on Thursday, Oct. 15. Ridgefield next played at Columbia River High School on Tuesday, Oct. 20, but results were unavailable at press time.
The Spudders now look to hosting R.A. Long High School on Thursday, Oct. 22 at 7 p.m.
