Fans in Salem, Oregon were treated to their money’s worth Saturday night. The match was certainly not for someone with high blood pressure or an aversion to excitement! With two results in the final two matches, the Tide will clinch a playoff spot. A big match looms on July 19th against the Yakima Reds, but the first leg of the job came on the 12th.
The Tide were punched in the gut just 30 seconds into the Cascade Surge’s last home match. A shot partially saved by goalkeeper, Jordan Jennings, ended in a scuffle at the back post eventually nudged home despite Tucker Maxwell’s best efforts to clear it off the line. The Tide were faced with a task, and they took to it quickly. Rory Agu was constantly getting behind the defense on the night with nice through balls being placed on the end of his runs. The first goal came from similar action which ended up on a lay-off to Chase Tangney running underneath Agu. The ball bounced near the penalty spot and Tangney crushed it into the net. Moments after the first Tacoma goal, a hand ball in the box yielded a PK for the Tide. Ruben Orozco did well to send the keeper to the left, but his shot to the right was too wide. The miss could have sent momentum back toward Cascade, but the determined Tide didn’t allow it. The Tide saw two more goals, putting them up 3-1 going into halftime. Spencer Schomaker, back from a hip flexor injury with a definite impact, and two goals to his name.
Spencer Schomaker, scorer of goal 2 & 3
The second half could have been cruise control... it was not. Cascade brought back two notches to equal things up at 3 a piece. Less than 10 minutes from time, Rory Agu put together a magnificent individual effort. The ball was switched to him on the right side about 40 yards out. Agu beat the defender and drilled in a near post shot that tucked in between the keeper and his upright. The score was 4-3, and the 3 points were gratifying.
The Tide’s next match is July 19 at Curtis HS Stadium. The Tide look to go 17 unbeaten at home, and with a win or tie, they’ll make the playoffs for the 2nd year running.
