Two matches in the book, 13 to go for Columbia High's boys varsity soccer team, which made it through the first week of the 2006 season undefeated.
The Bruins (2-0) broke up a defensive stalemnate last Tuesday against Woodland, putting on a strong offensive showing in the second half for a 4-0 Trico Division victory in Camas.
The Trico encounter was a home match for CHS, which agreed to play in Camas to accommodate Woodland's Washington Assessment of Student Learning testing schedule.
After a scoreless first half, the Bruins got goals from Cheno Barajas, Roberto Rodriguez, Mart¡n Mendoza and Samuel Lachino in the second 40-minute period. Three of the goals came on headers, one on a penalty kick.
Overall, Columbia tallied 23 shots on goal during the match (13 in the first half), controlling the ball and the pace throughout, despite not connecting for its first goal until the 5:20 mark of the second half.
As good as the offense was, however, CHS's defense was brilliant.
The Bruins held the Beavers without a shot on goal, making for an easy day's work for goalkeepers Lachino and Carlos Mendoza, each of whom did a one-half shift in net.
"Neither had to stop a shot, but both had to manage a few tense moments as Woodland long balls over the top required them to clear balls in dangerous areas, with attackers coming," said Bruins Coach Peter Knowles, who liked the idea of playing on the synthetic surface of Camas' spacious Doc Harris Stadium.
"It was great for us. We want to get on turf as often as we can because that's where we will end up if we get that far (in the playoffs," Knowles said, adding, "It was a long way to go for a home match but it was worth it."
Last Thursday, playing Castle Rock on its practice field because CHS Stadium was in use for a track and field meet, Columbia enjoyed more than the usual home field advantage.
"We know that upper field pretty well," Knowles said. "Because it's smaller, we were able to work our short passing game to great effect to build attacks and create scoring opportunities."
The Bruins had plenty of those. They finished with 30 shots on goal in winning the Trico match, 12-0.
Nine Bruins got into the scoring column, led by senior forward Demetrio Sanchez's hat trick. Six of the goals were assisted.
Columbia left the field at halftime with a commanding 7-0 lead--the last goal of the half came on a header by Mart¡n Mendoza in the 41st minute.
"It was a balanced, team-oriented effort on offense. We got pressure coming from everywhere, which is great because it means defenses can't focus on shutting down just one or two guys," Knowles said.
Columbia's defense, for its part, had another solid outing in front of freshman goalkeeper Carlos Mendoza.
The Bruins did a good job of heading off the Rockets' attacks, so much so that Mendoza only saw four shots come his way.
Knowles was particularly impressed with the play of freshman defenders Louy Lerebourg and Ramon Cortez, and sophomore defender Chuy Ramos.
"We worked hard to keep our defense and goalkeeper connected to the rest of the team," Knowles said. "In past years, we've let a gap develop between them. That can be a dangerous spot in counterattacks and it reduces the options for our midfielders to play the ball back and regroup."
Knowles said Ramos "did a good job of keeping that gap to a minimum."
This week, the Bruins will be tested by Trico opponent Hockinson (there March 21) and non-league foe Montesano (there March 23). Next Tuesday, they'll host rival Stevenson.
"It was nice starting against the two teams we did," Knowles said. "We got a lot of good work in and got to try some different formations and combinations of players."
He added: "Two shutout wins is a good way to start the season."
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