Riverhawks advance to boys soccer semifinals

The Dalles was scheduled to play at No. 6-ranked Sky Em League Champion Cottage Grove High Lions (13-2-1) in the Nov. 7. The winner plays Nov. 11 for the state championship at Liberty High School in Hillsboro. The other 4A semifinal has the No. 10-ranked North Marion High Huskies (11-4-2) playing at the No. 4-ranked Newport High Cubs (13-1-2).

The Riverhawks, guided by third-year Coach Jesus Granados, led 2-0 at halftime against Crook County behind goals from junior forward Hulises Najera. Sophomore midfielder Juam Camarillo assisted on the first goal in the 17th minute, and junior midfielder Marcos Quiroz assisted on the second goal in the 27th minute.

“We had control of the ball offensively and we had an advantage in time of possession most of the game, but they [Cowboys] had a couple of counter attacks, too," said Granados. "Nolan Donivan, Hector Morales and our other back-line players did a great job defensively in shutting down Crook County’s offense. That allowed our midfielders to regain and recover good field position to help us out offensively. The entire defensive line did a great job, too, along with our goalkeeper Luciano Alvarado [four saves], who played very well.”

Najera, the team scoring leader with 19 goals, said the home field advantage helped the Riverhawks. “We played hard from the beginning of the game; we gave it everything we’ve got and we never let up.

“It feels good to have a home playoff game with all the support from the large crowd that we had here today. We’re just having a really great season and it feels so good to continue playing in the state playoffs.”

Senior midfielder Angel Rodriguez, who earned first-team all-league, also acknowledged the crowd. “This was the last home game for me and it sure was great,” he said. “Everyone played with a high intensity level to help our seniors win in our final game here.”

The Dalles scored an own goal on a defensive mistake when they misplayed a Cowboys’ corner kick in the 51st minute. The quarterfinal matchup marked the third meeting between the two squads, who played each other twice in the Tri-Valley Conference season with The Dalles winning a 3-0 home game and the teams playing to a 1-1 tie at Crook County.

“I have to give Crook County credit, because they’ve done a great job with their program and their team has improved a lot this year,” Granados said. “I’m super proud of our boys; it’s a well-rounded team, they help each other out all the time, and there’s no drama involved in it. They’re kind of like a big group of brothers.”

The Riverhawks advanced to the quarterfinals following a 2-1, come-from-behind win over the Pendleton High Buckaroos in a first-round state playoff game Nov. 1 at Pendleton High School. A goal by Camarillo tied the match at halftime and Najera scored the game-winner in the second half.