By Jeremy McDonald

jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com

WOODBURN, Ore.–  The Silverton Boys Soccer team were tested in their three jamboree games Thursday afternoon at Woodburn High School.  Tested by being pressured during the three 20-minute scrimmages by North Salem, West Salem and Clackamas, it helped the Foxes who are led by nine seniors in being able to adjust to that pressure from the get-go knowing how stacked the Mid-Willamette Conference is going into this year.  

“That preparation is really critical because a lot of these guys, they need that to figure out how to play a little quicker.  They need to see that, otherwise it’s going to be a shock when we get into league with the talent and the quality that’s there,” said Silverton Head Coach Marty Limbird. “So this was good for that for sure.  We played all 6A opponents today and pretty good players.”

Limbird was impressed with how his team held their own.  Pointing in their end-of-day meeting that the effort was there, and that they just need to work on the little things as they now prepare for Mountain View on Tuesday afternoon back in Silverton.  

“The jamboree comes in really helpful is to how to start games on the upper-hand right off the bat because they’re so quick. They’re 20 minute games, so you just got to get into a flow really quickly,” Limbird starts.  “And notoriously our team’s been late first half or second half teams.  So to get into a flow and get into the game right away in 20 minutes, I think it’s a shift that they’re going to have to learn from this sort of experience.”

And that’s the good thing about jamborees, no wins or losses are awarded at game’s end.  Just opportunities to get better and improve for what is to come in the coming days and weeks.

Going 8-3-5 in 2021 and reaching the 5A State Quarterfinals, the Foxes will turn to their nine seniors that features Carlos Flores, Erza Bradford and Jason Leon.  Leon sat out of the jamboree as a precaution of a knee that’s bothering him.  Emmett Limbird has been playing really well in the midfield. 

Eli West will anchor the backline, the senior is a three-year starter for Silverton.

“He’s one of the guys we really rely on in the backline,” Limbird said of West.

Jonathan DuVal will be a another key player that Limbird may use in the midfield or with defense as this senior class will be turned to to help anchor the Foxes this Fall.

“All those guys are super coachable.  Just love them to death and we’re hoping for a good season as a result of those guys leading the way,” Limbird said.

Travis Grimes returns in net for Silverton as the Foxes host the Cougars August 30 at 4pm before traveling to Springfield to play the Millers on September 1 at 4pm.

Photos By Jeremy McDonald