It was a match that felt destined to end in a draw — a clash between two highly-ranked, top-of-the-league programs.
Central Catholic had other ideas.
Barlow girls soccer and the visiting Rams had been going back and forth. With the score tied 1-1, and the clock at 30 seconds, Central Catholic earned a corner kick. The well-hit ball sailed into the box, bouncing, before finding the foot of sophomore Annie Charbonneau. She fired it low, netting a winner and prompting a bench-clearing celebration.
“There is a lot to learn from this game,” said Central Catholic head coach Lucas DePinna. “Way to fight — Annie way to fight.”
Central Catholic feels it has room to grow, especially after what the team agreed was its worst showing of a strong season.
“In those worst moments, you proved you can still grind it out and find a win,” DePinna said.
No. 4 Central Catholic (8-1, 1-0 League) beat No. 15 Barlow (8-2, 0-1 League) at the death 2-1 Monday, Oct. 7, in both team’s conference opener.
“Sometimes you end up on the wrong side of these games,” said Barlow head coach Jay Jacobsen. “I’m really proud of you, keep your heads high.”
There are some frustrations and scratching of heads from the Barlow faithful — during that final corner kick the official stopped the clock, restarting it with the kick. Central Catholic likely would have gotten the corner off regardless, but the whistle allowed for a more composed take.
“Really questionable calls to stop the clock at the end, you don’t see that in soccer,” Jacobsen said. “I’m really proud of how we played, we definitely outplayed them and at least deserved the tie.”
The first half was dominated by both defenses, with chances few and far between. The Rams eventually mustered some dangerous shots, including a screamer by senior Suzanna Fee that forced a diving save from Barlow senior keeper Kassidy Waibel at the 29-minute mark. Five minutes later, freshman Katherine Miller also launched a deep look that was drifting perfectly toward the far corner, saved again at the last second by a diving Waibel (she had four in the first half).
The Bruins only shot in the first half came with 40 seconds on the clock. Junior forward Sophia West shook away from her defender, firing a low look that was saved by junior goalie Gabi Hill.
“It’s OK, I’ll get one,” West said coming off the pitch at the break.
At halftime Barlow made adjustments to its attack.
“We need to move up higher, give us an option to drop to,” said Barlow senior forward Katya Tercek.
“Get the ball of your foot quicker, keep composure, keep the energy,” Jacobsen said. “Our chances will come.”
Those chances did eventually come, but first the Rams got to celebrate a goal. A cross into the box was collected by freshman Sophie Naulty, who sent it to the far post for the 1-0 lead with 33 minutes left.
Six minutes later the Bruins started firing looks at goal — West had one go just wide — until finding the equalizer. Barlow was fouled right on the edge of the 18-yard box. The shot was taken by junior midfielder Braelyn Robertson, arcing it over the outstretched mitt of Hill to make it 1-1.
“That was beautiful,” called out an elated Barlow assistant coach Andrew Toth.
Four minutes later the Bruins nearly took the lead. Tercek had a sliding shot right in front of the goal that popped high over the crossbar. Then West had another shot that forced a diving save.
Central Catholic had its own series of chances before that stunning winner. Junior Olivia Urquhart had a header over the bar, and a deep take from junior Michaela Kriesien was nearly bobbled in by Waibel.
With the win the Rams are now in the pole position to win the Mt. Hood Conference, breaking the Bruins streak of 6-straight titles.
“(This was) some sweet, sweet revenge,” DePinna said.
All of this can be put in perspective for Barlow. While it felt like a playoff bout, and on-paper was for that coveted Mt. Hood championship, there is still plenty of time for the likely playoff-bound Bruins to right the ship.
“We still have so much to play for,” Jacobsen said.
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