(Longview, WA) The Lower Columbia Red Devils extended their strong season with a decisive 4-2 victory over the Highline Thunderbirds, improving their record to an impressive 9-1-0.
Playing at Northlake Field, the Red Devils came out of the gate with energy and precision, quickly establishing dominance on both ends of the field. Their fast start was rewarded in the 5th minute when forward
Avery Kimball scored the opening goal, set up by a well-placed assist from
Alexia Valdez. This early goal set the tone for what would be a relentless attacking performance by the Red Devils.
Just 15 minutes later, Lower Columbia doubled their lead. Valdez, a standout in this match, not only assisted the first goal but added one herself at the 20-minute mark, finding the back of the net to make it 2-0. Valdez was a constant threat throughout the game, using her speed and footwork to break through Highline's defense. The Red Devils were in complete control at this point, creating several more chances and putting Highline's goalkeeper, Selma Lawson, under heavy pressure.
However, as the first half wore on, the Thunderbirds caught a lucky break in the 39th minute. In an unfortunate turn of events, the Red Devils committed an own goal, allowing Highline to cut the deficit to 2-1. A miscommunication in the Lower Columbia defense saw the ball inadvertently directed into their own net, giving Highline some hope before the break. Despite this setback, the Red Devils maintained their composure, preventing further damage before the half ended.
Coming out of halftime, Lower Columbia wasted no time in restoring their two-goal cushion. Just two minutes into the second half,
Shakira Nolasco struck for the Red Devils, scoring off a well-timed pass to make it 3-1. Nolasco's goal was a critical moment in the match, as it re-established Lower Columbia's control and dashed any momentum Highline might have hoped to build from the own goal.Â
The Red Devils weren't finished yet. In the 56th minute,
Delaney McNett added a fourth goal for Lower Columbia, effectively putting the game out of reach for the Thunderbirds. McNett's goal came from a swift counterattack, demonstrating the Red Devils' ability to transition quickly from defense to offense. At this point, Lower Columbia was firing on all cylinders, maintaining possession and dictating the tempo of the game.
Highline did manage to pull one back in the 64th minute when Tania Tapia scored with an assist from Ramera Bradley, narrowing the score to 4-2. Despite this response, the Red Devils' defense, anchored by goalkeeper
Jade Goulding, remained solid. Goulding made five key saves throughout the match, including a pivotal penalty kick stop in the 80th minute, denying Tapia her second goal and preserving Lower Columbia's two-goal advantage. This save underscored Goulding's strong presence in goal and Lower Columbia's ability to hold firm under pressure.
Lower Columbia's relentless attack resulted in 21 total shots, with 17 of those being on target. The team's offensive depth was on full display, with multiple players contributing to the scoreline.
Alexia Valdez had a standout performance, scoring once and providing an assist.
Shakira Nolasco and
Delaney McNett also found the back of the net, while
Avery Kimball opened the scoring in the early stages of the match. The Red Devils consistently outmaneuvered Highline's defense, creating numerous scoring opportunities and keeping the Thunderbirds on the back foot.
Defensively, despite the own goal and conceding two, Lower Columbia held strong. Their ability to recover from mistakes and maintain composure was crucial in securing the win. The backline, supported by Goulding's timely saves, effectively neutralized Highline's attempts to mount a comeback, especially in the closing stages when the Thunderbirds were pushing forward.
Highline's frustrations were evident as the match wore on, culminating in a red card for Ximena Rios Salmoran in the 85th minute. This left the Thunderbirds with 10 players for the remainder of the game, further diminishing their chances of closing the gap. In addition to the red card, Highline picked up several yellow cards, struggling to cope with Lower Columbia's pace and skill.
In the end, it was a comprehensive team performance by the Red Devils, who showcased their attacking prowess, defensive resilience, and ability to control the game from start to finish. With this 4-2 victory, Lower Columbia continues to establish itself as a force to be reckoned with, solidifying their position at the top of the standings. As they push forward in the season, this win against Highline serves as a testament to their growing confidence and cohesion as a team.
Devils Soccer travels to Walla Walla University on Friday, October 11, for a 3:00 PM non-NWAC match in College Place, WA.
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