By Jeremy McDonald

jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com

TURNER, Ore.–  Cascade might be undersized, they may have a short-bench, but they sure as heck weren’t going down without a fight Tuesday afternoon against Valley Catholic.

The Cougars went into the halftime break up 1-0 following a Bryan Cortes goal in the closing moments of the half in their season-opener and first game under new Head Coach Carlos Huber.

“The game was tough.  We have two, three-games ahead and we’re still trying to get to know each other, but that’s just going to come through in a couple of games,” Cortes said.  “Its going to be big because as every game comes, chemistry is going to get better.  The games are going to get better.  We’re going to be able to communicate better and know where each other are at with the ball. 

“Knowing where those plays are going to be ahead of time.  Practice, we’re going to get that and in the next few games we’re going to accomplish those things.”

Cascade showed flashes of potential during the second half as the Valiants tied the game and took the lead over the course of the first 15 minutes of the second half.  Turning a 1-0 deficit into what would become the 3-1 final result on this breezy sunny day.

From the midfielders on up to the forwards, they were creating opportunities and bringing the pressure to the Valley Catholic defensive front.  The Cougs defensive back field made a few stops along the way to slow the pace down, giving some chance for their offense to set-up looking to score.

The Cascade roster lists three freshmen and three sophomores on their roster with three seniors.  Going to war with what they have this year looking to take it one game at a time, stepping up to the challenge that was presented to them right out of the gate.

“I’m really impressed actually.  (We’re) not really big players, but even then, we went head-to-head with their biggest guys.  Their guys are strong and a lot faster,” Cortes said. “I’m really, really impressed.  I’m proud that we were able to go head-to-head with them.”

The Cougars travel to Molalla Thursday before kicking off Oregon West Conference play Tuesday against Philomath.

Photos By Jeremy McDonald

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