Washougal soccer nets four victories

The Washougal High School boys soccer team netted three non-league victories last week, but now the games count.

After beating R.A. Long 1-0 in the league opener Monday, the Panthers host to Hockinson Wednesday and Woodland Friday at Fishback Stadium. Both games begin at 7 p.m.

“It’s great to be 4-0. I don’t think that’s ever happened before,” said head coach John Tyger. “We should find out where we’re at this week, with three league games. We’re a young team, and we have a lot of work to do.”

Washougal learned an important lesson Saturday. Facing a determined Stevenson squad for the second time in six days turned into a barn burner, but the Panthers prevailed 3-2. All five goals for both teams came in the second half.

Washougal took a 2-0 advantage early in the second half. Jeremiah Palmer scored the first goal on a pass from Thomas Normandeau, and Nico Lema Severich knocked into the second goal on an assist from Elesey Razumouvskiy.

The Bulldogs answered with their first goal of the game, to make it 2-1. Riel Lord netted a third point for the Panthers with help from Lema Severich. That turned out to be the decisive goal, after Stevenson scored once more before time expired.

“Games like this will test our character,” Tyger said. “When you beat somebody the first time, one of the worst things you can do the next time you face them is think you have it in the bag. You can’t take anybody for granted.

“It was a good lesson to put in our memory banks,” he added. “We’re going to face every team in this league three times, and each game is going to be a different challenge.”

Washougal defeated Fort Vancouver 2-0 Wednesday, at Kiggins Bowl. Spencer Camera and Palmer knocked in the goals, both on assists from Michael Wright. Goalkeeper Patrick McCarthy helped preserve the shut out with three saves.

Lema Severich scored a goal, assisted by Lord, to help the Panthers beat R.A. Long 1-0 Monday.

“If the kids continue to work hard, we should have a good season and a great future,” Tyger said.