Soccer trio named to all league

Bustamante, a junior, was a first-team winner for his play at midfield, Lopez notched second-team honors as a defender and Ayala earned a second-team award in his second season as a varsity player for his overall speed and skill in the midfield.

The Dalles head coach Greg Burkart commended the effort Bustamante showed in every match.

Next season, Bustamante will be thrust into a larger role from a leadership standpoint.

“Brandon was a solid performer, who displayed as both a midfield player and a defensive player,” Burkart said. “His willingness to play whatever positions needed to help the team shows his character. His effort and attitude was greatly appreciated over the course of the season.”

In 14 matches played, the Riverhawks scored just 10 goals, only five coming after a 5-0 victory over Redmond on Sept. 3, so the onus was on the defense to try to play at a peak level.

All told, TD allowed two goals or less six times, and six of their losses were by two goals or less.

A solid job by a re-assembled group at the start of the regular season.

Bustamante is looking forward to getting back on the field next season, but in order to succeed, the players need to continue their offseason work.

“We’ve got to stay focused and keep practicing,” Bustamante said. “We can’t focus on the negative and everything we went through. We have to look at every game, learn how to be better. When we work harder to get better, you will see us win more games.”

Lopez, a senior, was a major part of those defensive numbers with his play at goalkeeper and defense to pick up a second-team slot.

When called upon to move around and display his versatility on the back line, Lopez delivered.

“Angel began the season as the No. 1 goalkeeper for The Dalles, until he was injured midway through the season,” Burkart said. “He was moved into a central defensive position for the second half of the season. Angel was a tough-minded player, who worked hard for the team.”

On a varsity roster that fielded four seniors, the Riverhawks have some depth for the future with five juniors, three sophomores and two freshmen set to return for Burkart, as he tries to lead this squad back to the playoffs.

Ayala represents part of that bright future, as a second team winner in his second year on the varsity roster.

“Pedro was a strong contributor in the midfield this season,” Burkart said. “He played hard from box-to-box and was always willing to do whatever was asked of him. He is a team player and somebody who will be counted on in the future.”

Burkart still believes in the process and will try to mix and match the pieces that come back in 2016.

Work ethic, togetherness, academics and playmaking are keys to making the turnaround.

“Most of our returners played significant varsity minutes last year,” Burkart said. “I am excited. We will see how it goes. Our goal every year is to get better week-by-week and not get too high with success and not get too down with some setbacks.

“We will just look at it as our opportunity to get better.”