Goats get mauled by Kodiaks

CHELAN - If you would have watched the Goats soccer team play both of their games last week, you would have thought they were two different teams. 

In their first game against Okanogan on Tuesday, April 11 the Goats pulverized the bulldogs 6-1. They controlled the pace from the get-go, kept ball control and picked apart the Okanogan defense with skilled passes and tasteful goals. One of which was driven in the back of the net from 10-15 yards outside the goal area. 

However, that skilled passing team was not on display for their game against CTL league rival Cascade, at least in the second half. 

During the first half, Chelan seemed to carry their momentum over from Tuesday’s game as they were sticking to their gameplan of ball control. The Goats even had a few chances early on, but both were snuffed away from the Kodiaks keeper. Those would be the last real offensive chances for the Goats as the momentum began to shift late in the first half. 

Cascade broke through the deadlock on a mistake from a Chelan defender who misplayed a through ball and allowed a Cascade player to get the ball, dribble and drive a shot past goalkeeper Ben Banuelos. 

Head coach Jamie Richards was irate at how is team was playing, but the Goats headed into half only trailing by one. 

Unfortunately, that goal seemed to take Chelan off their game as they started the second half the same as how they ended the first with errant passes. 

Cascade took advantage within the first few minutes and scored their second goal of the game on a marvelous diving header.

That goal only deflated the Goats, who continued to struggle throughout the second half. And with around 10 minutes left in the game, Cascade scored their third goal and cruised the rest of the way to a victory over their rival. 

With the loss, Chelan’s record is now 7-3 and they are securely in second place behind Cascade who improved to 9-0 with the win. 

Chelan will take on Omak on Thursday, April 20 at 4:40 p.m. at Mountain Goat Field. The Goats beat the Pioneers by a score of 5-1 earlier this season. 

Zach Johnson can be reached at lcmeditor@gmail.com or (509) 682-2213