TD soccer boys take CRC awards

A no-host dinner is being offered at 5:30 p.m.

The event takes about an hour and participants will be painting the Eiffel Tower in the likeness of Vincent Van Gogh's portrayal.

Tickets are available for purchase online at www.paintnite.com... up until the event and then they may also be purchased at the door.

All money raised go towards the purchase of new equipment and uniforms.

For additional information or to donate to the program, call Janel Hughes 541-340-0347.

The Dalles boys’ soccer team doubled its win total, going from two in 2015 to four this season, and added some extra scoring punch, rising from 10 goals scored up to 20 this year under first-year head coach Matthew Dallman.

Added to that, the Riverhawks vaulted into the postseason mix for the first time in two years, and were recognized for a solid season with four all-Columbia River Conference recipients.

Pedro Ayala, Brandon Bustamante, Omar Rodriguez and Alberto Gallegos were recognized for their strong play during the 2016 soccer season with all-Columbia River Conference selections.

On the first team were Rodriguez and Bustamante, both seniors. Taking home second team honors were Alberto Gallegos and Pedro Ayala.

Alex Lopez, Pedro Lopez, Andy Lopez, Miguel Aguilar, Jack Bonham and Aldo Manzo had their names called for honorable mention honors.

The Dalles had big wins over Redmond, St. Helens and two against league opponent, Pendleton, and of its 11 losses, five were by three goals or fewer.

“We showed a lot of heart and character throughout the season,” Dallman said.

While bringing in a new system and program philosophy, Dallman credited the seniors Anthony Mora, Alex Gutierrez, Alex Lopez, Rodriguez, Bustamante and Aldo Manzo showing leadership by buying into the teaching process and working with the underclassmen on what it takes to be a successful athlete on and off the field.

“As my first year in charge of The Dalles varsity soccer program, I couldn't have asked for a better senior class,” Dallman said. “They showed me nothing but respect and set good examples for the younger guys.”

Dallman added that several of the returners have some big shoes to fill, which will not be an easy task, but he feels the younger players learned a lot and will carry the torch for a run at the Columbia River Conference championship.

This was just the first step toward that long-term goal, a successful one.

“Next season, I think will be a lot easier for our team, because we have a lot of returners who are now used to my coaching style,” Dallman added. “They know how I want to play, they know what I expect of them and they know what I don’t like.”

The coach has started a soccer academy for players to keep their skills sharp over the winter and spring in time for next summer and fall.

“For me, having technical players is crucial,” Dallman said. “When you play against teams like Hermiston and Hood River, you can’t just get by on fitness and hard work – you need to be able to control the game by possessing the ball and you can only do this through ball skills.”