(Longview, WA) September 28, 2024, Lower Columbia dominated Centralia College with a commanding 6-0 victory at Northlake Field. Lower Columbia's win pushed their record to an undefeated 7-0-0, 5-0-0 in league play, while Centralia dropped to 6-2-0, 2-2-0 in league play.
 
First Half:
Lower Columbia came out strong in the first half, creating early pressure on Centralia's defense. They recorded 10 shots in the first half, with four finding the back of the net.
 
9:25: Red Devils opened the scoring when Alexia Valdez found the net, assisted by Avery Kimball. This was Valdez's first of three goals in the match, setting the tone for Lower Columbia's dominance.
16:30: Just seven minutes later, Avery Kimball added a second goal for the Devils, giving them a quick 2-0 lead. Kimball's goal came unassisted and further demonstrated Lower Columbia's attacking prowess.
21:22: Valdez struck again, scoring her second goal of the match with an assist from Kari Pate. At this point, the scoreline was 3-0, and Centralia struggled to keep pace.
41:10: Valdez completed her hat-trick just before halftime, bringing the score to 4-0. With three goals in the first half, Valdez was the clear star of the game, as Centralia's defense had no answer for her offensive threat.
 
Despite the early goals, Centralia's goalkeeper, Brooklynn Alkire, made a series of key saves to prevent an even larger scoreline, stopping 11 shots over the course of the match. However, the Centralia defense faced unrelenting pressure, with Lower Columbia racking up nine corner kicks in the first half alone.
 
Second Half:
Lower Columbia continued their offensive dominance in the second half, maintaining possession and piling on two more goals to cement their victory.
 
56:22: Angelina Hopwood added a fifth goal for the Devils, with an assist from Brynlee Grant. This goal was a culmination of sustained pressure from Lower Columbia as they recorded 12 shots in the second half alone.
90:00: Just before the final whistle, Avery Ness scored the sixth and final goal for Lower Columbia, assisted by Joely Renk. Ness's goal sealed a 6-0 shutout, emphasizing Lower Columbia's superiority on both ends of the pitch.
 
Team and Player Performances:
Lower Columbia's team was impressive throughout, generating 22 shots, 17 of which were on target. In contrast, Centralia only managed nine shots, four of which were on target, all saved by Lower Columbia's goalkeepers.
 
Goalkeepers:
   - Lower Columbia's goalkeeping duo of Jade Goulding and Emma Beavin combined for four saves to preserve the clean sheet. Goulding played the first half, while Beavin came on for the second.
   - Brooklynn Alkire of Centralia had a busy day, making 11 saves despite conceding six goals. She faced relentless pressure from Lower Columbia's attackers, who consistently broke through Centralia's defensive lines.
 
Key Players:
   Alexia Valdez was the standout performer for Lower Columbia, scoring three goals (9:25, 21:22, and 41:10) and constantly threatening Centralia's defense.
   Avery Kimball contributed a goal and an assist, while Angelina Hopwood and Avery Ness each added a goal in the second half to round out the scoring.
   Brynlee Grant and Joely Renk provided crucial assists to further Lower Columbia's offensive momentum.
 
Centralia's offense had limited success. Despite taking nine shots, they were unable to capitalize on their few chances, with Avery Braun, Racquel Davis, and Izabell Rushing each recording shots on goal that were ultimately saved.
 
Match Statistics:
Shots: Lower Columbia – 22 (17 on goal), Centralia – 9 (4 on goal)
Corner Kicks: Lower Columbia – 12, Centralia – 3
Fouls: Lower Columbia – 7, Centralia – 4
Offsides: Lower Columbia – 7, Centralia – 3
 
Lower Columbia's ability to control possession and capitalize on their offensive opportunities proved decisive in the match. Meanwhile, Centralia's defense struggled to contain the relentless attacks and couldn't create enough scoring chances of their own.
 
With this resounding 6-0 win, Lower Columbia solidified their position as a dominant force in the NWAC.
 
Next up for the Red Devils is a big road match at Tacoma Community College on Wednesday, October 2. Match is scheduled for a 2:00 PM start.  
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