KENNEWICK--The Southridge boys soccer team had nine players, divided between two groups of three rivers club, which reached the State Cup--club football State Championship--in Tukwila in January.
Therefore, it should be no surprise that the Suns, after their quarterfinal 4-1 win Saturday at Eastmont Member Lampson Stadium, is also among the four high school teams, playing for the 3A, next weekend in Lakewood.
Southridge (18-2) will play in semifinals 3A State Camas 4 p.m. Friday at Harry e. Lang Stadium in Lakewood.
But also to a group of talented, this is also a very gifted bunch--an attribute that forged through trial and error--faced much adversity as this could handle against the Wildcats.
Already playing without one of their top scorer, Zach Russell after issuing a soft red card in the third match, Southridge lost a further player on a red card on Saturday when the midfielder sent Chandler Mertens 53rd minute because of an alleged curse word.
Thus, the Suns, it snaps to lead 1-0, will face group a reasoned Eastmont--Southridge had already defeated the Wildcats three times this season--playing with the wind and sufficiently strong invaders.
But having pressure many times before, the Suns had gathered and managed three goals in the second half despite playing a man.
"My first thought is that I feel relief, especially after going to 10 men. It is almost as if it is a goal, "said Suns coach Chip: Elfering. "You always have to think differently in each game. Although we had beaten them three times, is still a dangerous team. "
In January, Bill Landefeld scored the goal, winning the game to give three rivers Squad of U-17 Championship a State. Demonstrated and has lost his touch against Eastmont, out of a scoring by Adolfo Garcia only a minute after Mertens left field to give Southridge lead 2-0.
"(A man who Is) inspired us to work harder," said Landefeld, who later returned the favor with an auxiliary Garcia for Suns the final goal. "I'm really proud of our defense. I kept the pressure on them and will not let them turn. "
Landefeld acknowledged that although already holds a trophy Cup State Championship, the first guiding Southridge final four is understandable.
"It means a lot to get here. To be able to do it for the school is special, "said Landefeld.
Another player who came largely in the Eastmont was freshman goalkeeper James Fort, who made five saves which helped to preserve the victory.
The biggest came with only 11 minutes left in the game, shortly after the Wildcats forward Joel Villa scored in the 62nd minute to reduce the Southridge lead 2-1.
Shot freshman Adrian Lopez became a striker assembly run Suns objective and had an orange leaping out of a high bounce just outside the 6-yard box. But Fort had come from the line of just in time and was perfectly placed to stop the shot.
"At the time, which was one of the largest swings momentum of the game," said applicant: Elfering. "If you know the goalkeeper is good, could you start to think about when you shoot. And if you're thinking about this, then I will go wherever your shot has had to go.
"Also, if your goalie is playing well, gives your team confidence."
Fort, who shows any beyond his years, he was impressed with the support of all, a very late appearance by Josh Mendoza after an accidental kick to the face late in the game.
"He Got right back and kept calling balls in the last few minutes," says Fort. "Often is odd man out when the defense, but he does not get nearly enough credit for what it is doing."
Unfortunately, the Suns should play next weekend without Mertens, who must sit for three games because of a straight red card.
Russell, however, would rejoin the lineup Friday after the soft red.
"We had to play many games without (Mertens) due to the concussion," said applicant: Elfering. "But this is where he helped to lower (in games). The boys know they have to produce. "
Scoring--1, S, Jake Zoulek (Javy Gamez), 11: 00. 2, S, Bill Landefeld (Adolfo Garcia), 53: 00, 3, E, Joel Villa (Daniel Romero), 62: 00, 4, S, Keaton Hale (PK), 76: 00, 5, S, a. Garcia (Landefeld), 77: 00. Shots--E 11, s. 21. Saves--E, Romero 6. 5 S, James Fort.
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