Panthers breakdown Beavers

Few things are more terrifying than trying to defend 6-foot-4 Patrick McCarthy on the front line.

The Washougal High School senior goalkeeper got the opportunity to play a little offense Friday night, and he delivered three goals.

Sam O’Hara and Patrick Johnson both added two goals to lead the Panthers to a 10-0 victory over the Woodland Beavers, at Fishback Stadium. The win helped Washougal bounce back from Wednesday’s 3-0 loss to Hockinson.

“When we played Hockinson, we kind of got bunched up. We were able to spread the ball this game, and it came out well with the score,” O’Hara said. “What I love about this year is that we have so many people contributing. It’s neat to be able to give the ball to someone else, and watch them score a goal.”

McCarthy won a joust with the opposing goalkeeper to net his first goal. The keeper deflected his initial attempt, but the ball was still live and McCarthy loaded up for another shot. This time, he aimed high and tucked the ball in under the crossbar.

“It was the first time I ever scored a goal in high school, which is pretty cool,” McCarthy said. “It’s fun to play on the other end of the field, as well.”

McCarthy’s next goal was textbook, a header off a corner kick in front of the net.

“Playing keeper, you don’t get a lot of chances to head the ball,” he said. “To connect on one, and have it go into the goal, was pretty fun.”

The final goal for McCarthy came on a penalty kick, just before time expired.

Riel Lord, Spencer Carnera and Elessey Razumouvskiy knocked in the other goals.

“This is some of the best chemistry we’ve had as a team,” said head coach John Tyger. “I don’t think I’ve ever had a group of kids willing to work so hard, and it’s infectious.”

As vital as McCarthy is to the defense, Tyger was thrilled to give him an opportunity to kick the ball around.

“Patrick is such a great player, and a great kid to be around,” Tyger said. “I’m really going to miss him.”

When he’s not playing soccer, McCarthy is riding horses on the equestrian team and preparing to enter the state tennis tournament with his doubles partner Eyan Cagle.

“I’ve been really busy, but it’s been fun,” McCarthy said. “It’s given me lots of memories to look back on.”

Washougal is 5-1 on the soccer pitch. McCarthy hopes this is the year the Panthers finally make it to the state tournament.

“We have a lot of talent,” he said. “It will be exciting to see how far we can go.”