UPDATE: The McNary boys soccer team lost to Willamette 2-1 in the opening round of playoffs on Saturday, Nov. 1.
UPDATE: 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1 – McNary girls lost to Jesuit 8-0 in the first round of state soccer playoffs.
The boys and girls McNary High School soccer teams from McNary are headed to the state playoffs after qualifying matches to end the regular season.
The boys team tied 2-2 with South Salem on Tuesday, Oct. 28, to win th Central Valley Conference title for a fourth consecutive year.
The Celts face Willamette at home on Saturday, Nov. 1, for their first playoff game. Willamette is 7-4-4. The match starts at 6 p.m.
In girls play, the Celts tied the Saxons 0-0 on Tuesday, Oct. 28. With a record of 6-6-2, they advance to state playoffs with a match at Jesuit at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1. The top-rankedCrusaders are undefeated this season and won the state championship last year.
The boys team which ended the regular season at 8-3-3.
“It’s a very special feeling to have won the conference for the fourth consecutive year,” said Coach Miguel Camarena. “I’m happy for my players, their families, and my coaches.”
Against South Salem, the boys team came out strong in the first half of play. The Celts scored two goals and kept the Saxons down by one point, making the score 2-1 at the half.
After the Saxons scored again in the second half, McNary’s defense worked to keep the tie, securing the conference title. Camarena said that goalkeeper Josue Chavez had an impressive performance.
The scorers included Fernando Zepeda, assisted by Israel Orta, and Alessandro Totti Perez, assisted by Derick Cuello.
After the game, the Celtics celebrated with their trophy. At one point, the players formed a circle and chanted “olé” while holding up the conference trophy.
According to Camarena, the four-time championship players include Israel Orta, Emilio Arvizu, Fernando Zepeda, and Ryder Allen.
“We take it game by game, we’ll keep our style of play, adjusting depending on the opponent and on what’s needed,” Camarena said of the games ahead.
News tip? Contact reporter Riley Ellis: r[email protected].
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