The Columbia River boys soccer team might have a perfect record in its quest for an undefeated regular season heading into the postseason, but by no means have the Chieftains played a perfect match.
Yet, anyway.
Senior Ryan Connop believes Tuesday’s 4-0 shutout of Mark Morris is close, though, as the Chieftains netted three first-half goals in addition to another dominating defensive effort.
But there’s still room for growth and knowing River gets each team’s best shot keeps them on their toes.
“We can’t settle,” Connop said. “We have to keep improving every day. Teams are gunning for us, but we’re prepared for it.”
Columbia River (13-0 overall, 9-0 2A Greater St. Helens League) controlled from start to finish against a team it scored a season-best five goals on in the teams’ first matchup March 28 in Longview.
Connop’s eighth goal of the season came as part of a two goals in 60 seconds by the Connop brothers — Jake and Ryan — late in the first half. A minute after Jake Connop’s goal made it 2-0 in the 36th minute on a close header, he assisted Ryan’s goal for the 3-0 lead after 40 minutes.
River took 11 first-half shots, but a number of diving saves by Mark Morris goalkeeper Adam Burckhardt kept the Monarchs’ (2-10-1, 1-8) at a three-goal deficit entering the second half. He finished with 13 saves.
Head coach Filly Afenegus said being undefeated at this stage of the season can be challenging, but noted that it not only takes skill, but a bit of luck, too. River’s had that on a number of occasions, including escaping with last week’s 2-1 win at second-place R.A. Long. The Lumberjacks are one of only two 2A GSHL teams to score thus far on River’s defense, which has posted eight shutouts.
Defensive improvement is one point Afenegus took away from Tuesday’s victory at Kiggins Bowl as a point of emphasis moving forward.
“That’s one area we’re trying to make a push down the stretch and improve that part of our game,” he said.
River has outscored opponents 32-5 and is closing in on last year’s mark of a 15-game unbeaten streak. This spring’s streak of 13 straight began with three consecutive wins against 4A GSHL foes Camas, Union and Skyview and hasn’t let up now that it’s nine games into league play.
Team chemistry is a major part of the success, Ryan Connop said. River returned all 11 starters from its league and district title-winning 2017 team, but had its season abruptly end in a first-round state playoff home loss to Highline.
Ryan Connop, a four-year varsity player, believes this year’s squad has what it takes for a deep postseason run behind what the Chieftains hope begins with an undefeated regular season.
“Every year,” he said, “we’re been improving. This year, I think it’s our time.”
