In a matchup between two OSAA Class 4A boys soccer 2023 state playoff teams, the Estacada Rangers had hoped to get a road win over The Dalles Riverhawks to snap a two game Tri-Valley Conference losing streak.
The Rangers, guided by first-year Coach Robert Franks, came ever-so-close to accomplishing their goal, as they almost got an upset win over the No. 9 Riverhawks. The Rangers led 2-0 in the second half, but the Riverhawks fought back and scored three goals in the final 15 minutes for a 3-2 victory Thursday, Oct. 3, in The Dalles.
"I love coaching this team, they're a great group of guys and I'm super proud of them,” Franks said. "I like the way we're playing right now and I'm proud of everyone. We take every team to their limit and that's what we did (versus The Dalles), so I can't complain about that.
After a nearly scoreless first half, the Rangers (2-5-2, 1-3 League) jumped in front 1-0 in the 38th minute when senior midfielder Irvin Hernandez scored on a shot from 10 yards. Hernandez, the Rangers leading scorer with four goals, helped Estacada take a 1-0 halftime advantage.
The Rangers maintained their momentum early in the second half as they continued an offense surge while attacking The Dalles goal frequently. Senior midfielder Loggan Trujillo booted in a shot from eight yards out, putting the Rangers up 2-0 in the 46th minute.
The Rangers were playing with a high intensity level to hold on and get the victory. Holding the Riverhawks scoreless in the first half was impressive and junior goalkeeper Kellen Suva (11 saves) was a key to the Rangers defense with his solid performance in the net.
"Kellen has been playing well all season and he stepped into the starting goalkeeper position after being a backup last year and he's done an excellent job for us," said Franks.
The Riverhawks (6-2, 2-2 League) responded with a comeback while scoring three goals in an eight minute span of the second half. The Riverhawks scored a goal in the 65th minute, followed by the equalizer two minutes later, making it 2-2. The Riverhawks added a goal in the 73rd minute to get the 3-2 lead.
The Rangers responded with an offensive burst into the Riverhawks goal area and nearly tied it with a solid shot in the 76th minute. The Rangers had another chance to get a tying goal with a corner kick, but they were unable to capitalize on the scoring opportunity.
"The way we played against The Dalles was a little different than the way we normally play," said Franks. "We did more clearing on offense and we felt like we could get behind their (Riverhawks) defense by making some long passes.
Following a 2-1 home win Sept. 24 over Molalla, the Rangers had some momentum at the beginning of their 10-game league schedule. The loss to Dalles extended their losing streak to three in a row.
"We played a very good game against Crook County, but we just struggled to score," said Franks. "I'm very proud of the way that we're playing though and we just try to maintain possession on offense. We try to work out of the back, but sometimes it's a challenge to do that and get goals after working the ball down the field."
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