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Columbia River girls soccer gets even better in win over North Kitsap

Chieftains clinch third trip to state semis in five years

By RENE FERRAN, For The Columbian
Published: November 12, 2016, 10:20pm

Experience and youth blended together Saturday to return the Columbia River girls soccer team to the state semifinals.

Sophomore Ava Greer assisted on senior Elle Walker’s first-minute goal, then tacked on an insurance marker in the 50th minute to lift the Chieftains to a 2-0 victory over North Kitsap of Poulsbo in a Class 2A quarterfinal match at Kiggins Bowl.

Columbia River (17-3-1) advanced to the semifinals for the third time in coach Filomon Afenegus’ five-year tenure — all in even-numbered years. The Chieftains will play Selah (16-3-1), a 2-1 winner over East Valley of Spokane, at 8 p.m. Friday at Shoreline Stadium.

North Kitsap finished the season 13-6-1.

“This was the best performance we’ve had all season,” Afenegus said. “We set a real high standard for ourselves, but today was the perfect balance of possession and penetration.”

The Chieftains won their 16th straight game since opening the season 1-3-1.

“We have a good balance of experienced players who’ve been in this situation before and younger players eager to go out there and fit in with the group,” Afenegus said.

Walker, a University of Portland commit, represents the experienced group that helped River place third at state two years ago.

She helped the Chieftains shrug off any nerves they may have been feeling just 57 seconds into the match. Walker controlled a pass from Greer about 35 yards from goal, drove down the left hashmarks of the football field and slotted a shot from the top of the penalty area just inside the near post.

“I felt relieved a little bit. We could play our game from then on,” said Walker, who scored her team-leading 25th goal. “But 1-0 in soccer is not a comfortable lead.”

That comfortable feeling came 10 minutes into the second half, after River had peppered the North Kitsap net with several point-blank opportunities.

Katie Anthony crossed a ball from the right wing that deflected off a Vikings defender into the penalty area. Greer outraced keeper Annika Vadset to the loose ball at the penalty spot and knocked it home for the 2-0 lead.

“I just kept my composure and knew I had to just keep the shot low to get the goal,” Greer said. “If I run into the keeper, it’s just a call, but if I give it my all and have no more to give there, I’m happy with myself.”

Greer attended Vancouver School for the Arts last year and didn’t play soccer. She started this season on the River JV team, moved up to varsity midway through and eventually cracked the Chieftains’ starting 11.

Saturday’s goal was her sixth of the year.

“Not only is she scoring goals, but just her grit, her relentless effort — she has been fantastic for us,” Afenegus said.

The Chieftains rode out the final 30 minutes, not allowing North Kitsap another shot and rarely allowing the visitors into their offensive third. River posted its 12th shutout of the season and assured itself of at least two more games next weekend.

“It’s nice knowing I’ll be getting two more games,” Walker said. “I now know when the end is coming, and I can make the most of it.”

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