Prior history has led to the five Evergreen Conference programs overlooking the Centralia High School boys soccer team. The Tigers, even with district appearances and as recent as two years ago being in a winner to state game, have never been viewed as a powerhouse.
Damian Corona wants that changed.
“We are a team that can compete,” the junior winger said. “I want them to look at us and be like ‘Hey, that’s not going to be an easy team.’ That’s what I want us to show every team.”
If Tuesday night was any indication, Centralia may not be an EvCo pushover any longer.
Spurred by four goals from four different attackers and a dominant night in possession, the Tigers came away with a 4-0 triumph over arch rival W.F. West at Tiger Stadium.
It was the type of match Noel Vazquez had been waiting for. In Centralia’s last four contests – Cascade Christian, Rogers, Black Hills and Tumwater – it would be a tale of two halves.
From the opening kick to the final whistle, the Tigers out shot, out-possessed and out played the Bearcats.
After freshman Andres Cruz put the finishing touches on the win with a goal in the 78th minute, Vazquez pumped his fist and hugged his assistants. He proceeded to call it a “statement performance.”
“It was important for us to come in, win at home and make a statement for people to notice us,” Vazquez, the Tigers head coach added. “Today, we wanted to arrive. I know rivalry games always go a little above and beyond when it comes to effort, but I want to believe we’re looking at it like another league game.”
For a roster loaded with juniors, they’ve been together through youth and club soccer. Now the talent is being showcased at the prep level.
“I feel like the chemistry is getting better and it is just the beginning,” Corona said. “One of the best games, by far.”
Evan Alexander Tackman got the scoring started in the third minute on the left side of the attacking-third and slotted his goal near side. Corona made it 2-0 in the 37th minute on a strike inside the 18-yard box.
Johnny Ruiz made it 3-0 in the 59th minute. Centralia (5-3, 2-1 EvCo) put up 21 total shots and 19 were on frame.
“It is really important to spread the ball out; spread the love,” Vazquez said. “How do we keep the gas going for 80 minutes? We want to be a complete team. I think today, we showed that we could be (dangerous).”
W.F. West (4-3, 1-2) never got its footing despite a couple chances. Alex Mathuzima had his initial breakaway shot saved in the first half and his second attempt sailed over the crossbar.
In the second half, Gage Grisham’s header got past every Centralia defender except Adrian Hernandez, who poked the ball out before it crossed the white line.
“Adrian is one of those guys that his motor is always going,” Vazquez said. “He might be out of place, but when it comes to bailing us out, he’s done it many times.”
The Bearcats only had eight shots on the night.
“It felt like the energy was off from the beginning, even before we left our school,” W.F. West head coach Allen Anderson said. “I’ve been doing this long enough, you can sense when something is off.”
Grisham and Mathuzima both went down with ailments, but returned to the pitch. W.F. West’s sideline was given a yellow card and goalie River Haydon was given a straight red in the 70th minute. Pushing numbers forwards in the second half didn’t result in golden looks at the net.
Anderson is hopeful this game is a blip, but the schedule gets tougher before spring break against 4A foes Skyview on Thursday and Battle Ground on Friday.
“For us, generating something positive out of it is going to be the biggest thing,” Anderson said.
Seventy-two hours after losing to Tumwater on Friday, Centralia had what Corona called an “intense” training session on Monday. He believes the best version of the group is still ahead, with one game against Onalaska on Wednesday before spring break.
“You got to pick it up,” Corona said.
