By Jeremy McDonald

jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com

SALEM, Ore.–  Katrina Thomas’ first collegiate goal came at a crucial part of Saturday afternoon’s game for Chemeketa against Southwestern Oregon Community College.

In a scoreless tie coming down to the final 20 minutes of the game, the 2022 Cascade-grad in Thomas struck a goal to give the Storm a brief 1-0 lead on the Lakers.  And with SWOCC, Chemeketa and Portland all having one defeat in the NWAC South Region, any goal and points towards the standings will help with seeding for a possible playoff push.

“It was amazing,” smiles Thomas.  “It’s a good feeling.”

Coming from Cascade, traditionally strong in football, wrestling and girls and boys basketball, to represent the Cougars on the soccer pitch is an amazing feeling for Thomas.  Prior to the goal, Thomas had two assists in nine games for Chemeketa and four starts for a Storm squad that’s 4-1-1 in NWAC South play this season.

“No one really thinks of Cascade, we’re out there in the country and no one thinks about us outside of football..so coming out here and to score a goal coming from Cascade is pretty awesome because you don’t get too much recognition coming from Cascade,” Thomas said.  “I’m excited that I decided to do it.

“It’s tough that we tied (today) because I felt like we could’ve done a lot better and could have won this game, but it was a back-and-forth game and it was pretty good still.”

The Lakers would get the equalizer and tie the ball game up a few moments later.  Chemeketa had a few opportunities to break the then 1-1 tie, but couldn’t net the decisive goal as the two teams settled for the stalemate at the end of the game.  Thomas points to them finishing those opportunities at goal.

“We have a lot of shots, we just have to get them in next time,” Thomas said.
Chemeketa hosts their final home game on October 8 when Clackamas comes to town for a noon kick.

Photos By Jeremy McDonald