RIDGEFIELD — Winning district championships is becoming an enjoyable habit for the Ridgefield girls soccer program.
Tayrn Ries scored once in each half on Thursday as the Spudders beat rival Hockinson 2-0 to claim Ridgefield’s third consecutive Class 2A District 4 title.
But the match wasn’t just another district championship contest, at least not to Spudders coach Robby Trimbo.
“These games are huge for us getting ready for state. We looked at this as this is the first round of state for us,” Trimbo said.
The state tournament will begin for real next week for both Ridgefield and Hockinson. As the top two seeds from District 4, the Spudders and the Hawks will host games, likely on Tuesday, against opponents still to be determined.
Hockinson knocked off Ridgefield in the second round of Greater St. Helens League games. But that loss helped refocus the league-champion Spudders, who were not seriously challenged in league by anyone other than the Hawks.
“We needed a game like that to help us,” Ries said. “Every year we have a game where we lose, but it’s OK. It gives us motivation looking forward to this game when it really mattered and we pulled through.”
Ries put Ridgefield ahead 22 minutes into the match. A pass from Julia Bradford found Ries with space to work on the right side of the 18-yard box. She was able to turn a defender, cut inside and take a low, left-footed shot that found its way just across the goal line.
“I was just trying to get some shots on goal,” Ries said. “It was a little bit of luck, but it also gave us a lot of momentum.”
Ridgefield dominated possession, and outshot Hockinson 22-3 on the night. But the margin was slim into the second half.
“With Rylee Seekins running around the field, one goal means nothing,” Trimbo said, referring to Hockinson’s top scorer who recently attended a U.S. Women’s National Team age-group camp. “It’s all about staying focused, managing the game and playing to our strength.”
With 25 minutes left in the match, Ridgefield finally earned some breathing room when Ries slipped behind the defense at the far post to tap home a beautiful pass from Erin Siegel. Ries said she made eye contact with Siegel just before the cross was sent from outside the 18-yard box.
“I was just looking to get in behind the defense and Erin played a perfect ball and I just had to tap it in,” Ries said.
With the fifth district title in Trimbo’s six seasons — including two at Class 1A — Ridgefield seems poised to make some more state tournament noise. The coach said last season’s run to third-place in state provides a good foundation to build upon.
“The biggest advantage for us from that experience is they manage pressure better,” Trimbo said. “They’ve kind of adopted the outlook that they like it. They want to play these big games. I don’t think they really are scared of it, they look forward to it now.”
