Hood River Valley’s girls soccer program has won just three games in its first two years in the OSAA Class 5A Northwest Oregon Conference varsity girls soccer standings, but there is hope for a change this year.
The Eagles (1-7 NWOC, 2-10-2 in 2023), guided by third-year Coach Leonor Lopez Agiurre, are hoping for a turnaround with their won/loss record and finish in the upper half of the nine-team NWOC. Last season, five NWOC teams advanced to the state playoffs. The Eagles are hoping that they can improve a few spots from last year when they finished in eighth place.
“This season, I am hoping to have a lot more success,” said Lopez. “Our defense this year is looking stronger and more aggressive, so I definitely believe we’ll be able to stop a lot of scoring opportunities.”
The Eagles allowed an average of 3.71 goals scored per game, which was the 27th ranked defense out of 32 5A squads in 2023. The Eagles averaged one goal scored per game and had five shutout losses.
HRV lost just four seniors from a year ago and they have three seniors returning from last season who will provide leadership. Those players include Ocean Rivera, Julia Rowan, and goalkeeper Grace Rowan. Julia Rowan, junior midfielder Magnolia Clermont, and Josie Faaborg will be counted on to lead the Eagle offense as they’re expected to be the top goal scorers. Junior forward Yareli Hernandez and sophomore midfielder Keira Brennan will be helping to set up their teammates with assists.
“Yareli and Keira both know how to see the field and they have great footwork, which will help them get through opponents and set up goal scoring opportunities for us,” said Lopez. “Our seniors are great leaders and they have all made the younger players feel welcomed to be on our team.”
The Eagles play the season opener of their 14-game schedule Thursday in a 7 p.m. nonleague contest versus the Class 6A Century High Jaguars (6-7-1 in 2023) in Hillsboro. HRV’s first home match is Sept. 3 at 7 p.m. against the Class 4A Pendleton High Buckaroos (6-7-2 in 2023
The Eagles’ lone league win last season was 1-0 at home over the Centennial High Eagles (1-6-1 NWOC, 2-10-2 in 2023). The three-time state champion Wilsonville High Wildcats (8-0 NWOC, 16-2 in 2023) won the NWOC title last year, but lost nine graduated seniors from that squad.
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