Woodburn Independent Online

Woodburn defeats Lebanon, eyes possible playoff berth

Girls soccer team needs two more wins to earn No. 4 seed

• By: Garrett Rudolph  
• Published: 10/27/2009 12:22:17 PM

Photo By: Garrett RudolphGoal!
Woodburn sophomore Gabriela Vazquez scored a goal in the Bulldogs' 5-1 win over Lebanon on Friday afternoon at Woodburn High School.

WOODBURN — After defeating Lebanon 5-1 Friday afternoon, the Woodburn girls soccer team has found itself in a familiar position.
 
With two games remaining, the teams sits in a tie with Silverton for fourth place in the Mid-Willamette Conference. This week, the Bulldogs will travel to Dallas (1-4-0 in league, 4-6-0 overall, 2 points) Tuesday, before hosting Silverton (2-3-0, 4-7-1, 3 points)  Thursday, in what will likely determine the fourth and final spot in the state playoffs.
 
Woodburn was in this exact same situation last year, losing to Silverton in the season finale to fall just a tie-breaker shy of state.
 
However, coach Carlos Menezes said he feels this year’s Woodburn squad is better than it was at this time last year, pointing to a 0-0 tie in regulation against Corvallis on Oct. 16 as evidence. Last year, the Spartans beat Woodburn 10-0.
 
“They’re not as good as they have been in the past … but to be able to tie a strong program like Corvallis is, I think that’s a victory,” he said.
 
Woodburn followed the shootout loss to Corvallis with a 7-0 loss to Crescent Valley, while playing shorthanded.
 
On Friday, the Bulldogs ended a three-game scoring drought, by quickly taking advantage of visiting Lebanon.
 
Freshman Cindy Vazquez got the offense started with a goal in the 11th minute, and senior Clarissa Mendoza put Woodburn ahead 2-0 just four minutes later.
 
The Warriors cut the lead in half in the 18th minute, but Woodburn responded again, as Mendoza scored her second goal of the game.
 
Woodburn led 3-1 until midway through the second half, when Gabriela Vazquez scored her lone goal of the game, to go along with two assists. Cindy Vazquez capped off Woodburn’s scoring with her second goal in the 72nd minute.
 
Goalkeeper Aurea Mendoza had six saves for the game.
 
While Menezes said Friday’s win wasn’t perfect, he was happy with the final result.
 
“Right now, I don’t care. I just need a win,” he said, pointing out that the players also need to understand that that’s the most important aspect. “Whether people play the positions they want to play or not, we’ve got to play whatever is going to get us to win games.”
 
Friday’s win improved Woodburn’s league record to 2-3-0 with six points (7-5-0 overall).
 
Woodburn will play at Dallas High School Tuesday at 3:30 p.m., followed by Thursday’s home game, which is scheduled to start at 6 p.m.

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