After its first loss in four games, the Tenino boys soccer team bounced back to defeat Ilwaco on the coast, 3-1, to improve to 5-2 and 4-1 in league, thanks to another brace from Tyler Minerich.
It’s the freshman’s 10th goal of the season already.
“Tyler’s a really smart soccer player,” Beavers coach Kevin Schultz said. “He played solid again. For a freshman he has a ton of savvy.”
Minerich got the scoring started in the 13th minute, after the Beavers had to adjust to their first game of grass this season, on an assist from Tristan Whittaker.
After Ilwaco equalized in the 25th minute, a Beckett Turner goal, Braxton Williams scored his first goal of the season for Tenino.
Minerich made it three goals to one in the 63rd, off a David Espinoza assist, to record the brace.
Playing their second straight game down starters, the Beavers adjusted well, per Schultz, as the coach commended his backline and Paydon Henderson for adjusting quickly. He mentioned Cash Gallaher, Henderson, and Lucas Tennihill as stepping up.
Keeper Alex Reichelderfer had 10 saves in a standout performance in the net.
“We’re starting to figure ourselves out,” Schultz said. “Our backline just continues to improve and improve.”
The Beavers will take on Elma at home this Friday.
