Talon Staff Reporter Rhett Mosqueda

Saturday afternoon, the Hood River Valley Eagles boys soccer team faced off against the Wilsonville Wildcats at the Hillsboro Stadium. The cold weather wasn’t much of a factor since the Eagles have played their last 4 games in much colder weather, however the wind had a slight impact on set pieces.

Starting off the game was a new starting formation. One that coach Jaime Rivera put together to help bring out each player’s strengths.The Eagles came into this game confident that they could record two state championships in two years. Junior, Noe Magaña got on the score sheet only 3 minutes into the game off of an assist from teammate Andres Baeza. Baeza passed upfield to and unguarded Noe Magaña who was able to cut in 17 yards from goal. Once free of defenders he took a driven left footed shot which went far post, too far for the the Wilsonville keeper to reach. In the 9th minute Wilsonville’s Rene Hernandez shot a free kick at the crossbar, making his presence known. A few minutes after, junior, Jorge Campos was on the ground in pain. Agitated Wilsonville player, Garrett Bonnell, grabbed Campos to try and get him up to resume play. The referee saw this and rewarded Bonnell with a yellow card as the HRV crowd was angered due to his actions. The rest of the second half was dominated by Hood River, who had the majority of possession.
As the second half began, Wilsonville was taking more shots than in the first half. However they couldn’t convert their shots into goals. In the 47th minute, senior, Andres Baeza settled a high pass and took a strike from outside the 18 yard box to score a great goal. The crowd went off. HRV chants overpowered those from the Wilsonville fans as Baeza put the nail in the coffin. Senior Marco Cuevas was the better keeper of the evening, saving a few one on one shots and other vital saves. Wilsonville’s intensity rose as the second half went on. Hood River Valley junior, Domingo Barragan received a yellow card with 4 minutes remaining in the match. Barragan exchanged words with the match official who then immediately pulled out his yellow card again, followed by the red card. Hood River Valley were now playing with a man down with 4 minutes left. In the last minute, senior, Gil Evangelista and a Wilsonville forward exchanged shoves which led to Evangelista receiving a straight red card. Hood River Valley was now down two players with a minute remaining, but the damage was already done to Wilsonville. As the clock read 0:00, the Hood River bench cleared to rush the field. First place medals were handed out, and the trophy was presented to the champions. Senior captain, Mario Sandoval hoisted it in the air with the team and fans as the fans came down the stands onto the field. A great way to end the season, and a great way for this years seniors to go out. Farewell to Seniors Marco Cuevas, Noah Noteboom, Mario Sandoval, Carlos Marquez, Joel Garcia, Antonio Bustos, Patrick Humann, Andres Baeza, Emy Gutierrez, Gil Evangelista, and Eduardo Barragan.