In a high-stakes season opener for the Hockinson Hawks boys soccer team, the Hawks leaned on both experience and unfamiliarity to secure a 1-0 win over the Ridgefield Spudders on Tuesday, March 17.
With no non-league tune-up matches to ease into the year, Hockinson entered the opener facing a Ridgefield squad that had already been tested against two strong opponents. The result was a physical, four-yellow-card match to add to the library of all-time classic games between the Hawks and Spudders.
“We knew that they’re going to come out almost seasoned in a way,” Hockinson head coach Tony Ayala said. “And so we just didn’t know the physicality would get to us. We didn’t know how we would respond. And I couldn’t be more pleased. I think just mentally, I think we were ready for his game and you could tell from the opening whistle …”
Despite early-season timing issues on developing plays, Ayala said his Hawks showed sharp decision-making and an ability to ultimately exploit space, creating multiple scoring chances throughout the game. Ridgefield senior goalkeeper Hendrix Flick proved to be a difference maker to keep the game at the 1-0 score, Ayala highlighted.
A second-half penalty kick scored by Hockinson senior Trey Bischoff would prove to be the biggest difference maker.
Hockinson maintained pressure, relying on their veteran-heavy roster that has grown together over four seasons. But protecting the narrow lead required a defensive effort that included contributions from both seasoned players and newcomers.
Sophomore center back Barrett Roscoe stepped into a major role, filling the void left by last season’s graduating 2A Greater St. Helens League defensive player of the year, Gavin McAlister.
The win gives Hockinson an early boost in what could be a tightly contested race in the 2A Greater St. Helens League, especially considering the significance of opening with a rivalry matchup.
“It gives us a lot of confidence,” Ayala said of the win. “It gives us a lot of confidence knowing we can manage the games, right?”
The Hawks followed up with a second league win, 3-1, over the Woodland Beavers on Thursday, March 19. The Hawks added an X-X win/loss in a non-league battle against the Prairie Falcons on Saturday, March 21. Hockinson next played Washougal on Tuesday, March 24. Results were unavailable at press time. They next square off on the road in Longview against R.A. Long High School on Thursday, March 26, and at home against a non-league giant, with Quincy High School traveling to Hockinson for a 3 p.m. Saturday, March 28, matchup.
The Ridgefield Spudders beat Washougal High School 6-0 on Thursday, March 19 to get their first win in the standings. The Spudders next played Mark Morris High School on Tuesday, March 24; results were unavailable at press time. They next face off against Columbia River High School at home on Thursday, March 26.
