A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 54F. Winds light and variable..
Tonight
A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 54F. Winds light and variable.
An on-field altercation with about 10 minutes left in The Dalles at Cottage Grove boys soccer playoff match Nov. 7 led to at least one player being suspended, and likely monetary fines for both schools.
The physical match, which had numerous yellow cards and/or fouls, was for a berth in the Nov. 11 Class 4A state championship. Tensions rose to a boiling point with the Lions leading, 3-1, over the Riverhawks. The referee stopped play after a player from The Dalles shoved down Cottage Grove junior Armando Legorreta from behind. The referee and line judge conferred, and yellow cards were issued to both players.
Legorreta turned to leave the field, took a few steps, and then turned around and argued with the referee. Players on both teams began to huddle around Legorreta and the referee — the pack slowly moving toward the sideline. A Riverhawk player allegedly shoved Legorreta, who then threw a punch and knocked the Riverhawk player to the ground.
Things continued to escalate. Video of the match showed at least two players from The Dalles appearing to strike or kick Legorreta, as the group of players continued toward the sideline. Numerous players from The Dalles (and possibly those from Cottage Grove) left the bench area, which is against OSAA rules and will result in suspensions and monetary fines, according to the governing body of high school sports. Pushing and shoving ensued as the head referee, line judge and coaches separated the players. The skirmish lasted about a minute, and after an approximately 24-minute delay, the game resumed. According to sources, The Dalles coaching staff chose to resume the match, so as to not end the Riverhawk seniors’ last game on a low note.
A teammate helped the Riverhawk player who was struck to his feet, but he was laid back down by training staff, who had entered the field to tend to him.
In a statement to Columbia Gorge News, OSAA Executive Director Peter Weber said, “We have been working directly with the two schools, along with the officials’ association, since Tuesday night regarding this incident. This includes gathering statements, reviewing video, and phone conversations, as well.
“In particular, we’ve been working with both schools to determine ejections/suspensions for players directly involved in the altercation, plus any substitutes from either team who left the team area during the altercation as those players will be considered to be ejected per NFHS rule. Ejections come with a suspension for the next contest and a monetary penalty to the school per OSAA Ejection Policy.”
Legorreta was ejected for receiving a red card for his involvement. He was suspended for the 4A boys soccer final on Nov. 11 and is not on Cottage Grove’s team roster on the OSAA website. Cottage Grove lost, 2-1, in overtime to Newport/Waldport.
Billy Brost, The Dalles athletic director, described last week’s incident as “disheartening.”
“The safety of our student athletes, including those on opposing teams, is always our top priority,” he said. “Tuesday [Nov. 7] evening’s incident was disheartening, as we always want the best for our athletes, and that includes a safe, and fair, game. We never condone unsportsmanlike conduct. As of now, we will let OSAA investigate the situation and we will cooperate with them in any manner necessary.”
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