Trojans celebrate seniors, host Cascade Kodiaks

MANSON – Trojans soccer celebrated the team’s seniors on their last home game of the regular season, Monday, April 23, hosting the Cascade Kodiaks.
The Trojans, sitting securely at third in league, fought hard against the Kodiaks in one of their best games of the season, said Head Coach Jared Mumley. “The beginning of the game saw Cascade pressure Manson deep into their own half,” he explained, “while Manson was having difficulty finding outlets on offense. After about 10 minutes, however, Manson began finding some space behind the Cascade back line which eased off the pressure.”
The Trojans relaxed just slightly, allowing a score by Cascade, which put them in the lead. Despite the heavy pressure by Manson throughout the remainder of the game, the Kodiaks defeated the Trojans with a final score of 1-3.
Manson has since traveled to Tonasket and Oroville, defeating both teams and qualifying to continue through playoffs.

Submitted by Head Coach Jared Mumley
Versus Cascade Kodiaks, Monday, April 23
Although the score line doesn’t reflect it, Manson played one of their best games of the season against a strong Cascade team that leads the Caribou Trail 1A league.  This non-league contest was a good warmup for the playoffs which the Trojans hope to qualify for and begin next weekend.  The beginning of the game saw Cascade pressure Manson deep into their own half while Manson was having difficulty finding outlets on offense.  After about 10 minutes, however, Manson began finding some space behind the Cascade back line which eased off the pressure.  Just as Manson were getting a foothold in the game a mistake allowed Cascade to take the lead.  Without losing a beat Manson continued to press on.  During the latter part of the second half Manson piled on the pressure and it was Cascade who were happy to get to halftime unscathed.  Manson continued to pile on the pressure in the second half with slick passing movies and a few shooting opportunities for Eduardo Escelera and Abelardo Sanchez.  Manson were unlucky, however, to give up a penalty in the box for a handball which Cascade converted to double their lead.  Manson did not give up the fight though.  They continued to fight with intensity and their pressure was rewarded with a nice passing moving from Heri Sarmiento to a running Escalera who slotted home the goal and cut the deficit in half!  With 15 minutes to go in the match, it was game on!  Manson pushed forward with added fervor and nearly tied the game after another powerful Escalera run only to be thwarted by last gasp defending.  As Manson continued to step up and pressure they were undone by one final long ball which was finished off by the Cascade forward to seal the game.  In the end a 3-1 score line is flattering for Cascade as the Trojans put in a solid performance.