Soccer Opens League Play with Win
Overcast skies, temps in the 50s, short grass, and a gentle southern breeze set the stage for the GSL 2A league opener between the Pullman Greyhounds and host East Valley Knight. For Pullman, the game marked its third match in four days with the Hounds most recently coming off a 2-0 loss to 4A Lewis & Clark the night before.
East Valley is a much-improved squad over last year — a team quite capable of defending and possessing at a high level. The Hounds, however, tested and prodded the Knights, looking for weaknesses to exploit. Pullman capitalized in the 14th minute off a designed corner play; it was the first time PHS had ever converted the play since installing it in 2015. The play has had many near-misses, including legitimate chances against Sammamish, Lindbergh, and Mt. Spokane this season alone. There was almost a sense of relief that the play finally netted a goal. Senior Leon Lange scored the long-awaited goal on an assist from Evan French.
The Hounds made adjustments to the line-up with starters Ben Campbell and Clarens Dollin sidelined for another few games. Several players seized the opportunity that has come with more playing time. Senior Dante Wallace has proved effective at the outside mid spot, while fellow senior Marcus Neville has solidified his role as an outside back — both have earned and played quality minutes after not having seen too much time in the first couple of games. Leo Hoffman was outstanding at centerback, after playing the first four games and all of last season on the outside. East Valley created only one legitimate scoring opportunity, a credit to keeper Aaron Oatley and the defensive back line. The Hounds recorded their second clean sheet of the season.
Against East Valley, Pullman was more successful in the possession game; in particular, the team had success in finding forward Evan French’s feet, allowing him to be a playmaker and get better numbers forward. Between checking to the ball, making strong diagonal runs, and getting in behind, French kept the Knight’s defense guessing and off-balance. In the 32nd minute, French found Marcelo Romero who knocked in his third goal of the season.
French scored early in the second half off a service from Dante Wallace for the 3-0 lead. French leads the team in scoring with five goals and two assists.
Statistics
Shots — Pullman 11, East Valley 5 . Saves — Pullman, Oatley 4, East Valley, Bledsoe 5.
Scoring
First half –1, Pul, Lange (French) 14:00. 2, Pul, Romero (French) 32:00.
Second half — 3, Pul, French (Wallace) 46:00
