Triston Whitaker’s goal in the 39th minute almost looked like it would be enough to give Tenino boys soccer its first win of the season. But the Beavers surrendered two late goals to Forks, in the 69th and 71st minutes, to take a 2-1 loss at home Friday.
“It was heartbreaking,” Tenino coach Kevin Schultz said. “It was still fun watching out guys compete. We played so dang hard. I’m so proud of our guys. They left it all out there”
Whitaker’s goal came off a cross from Chris Ramez, who is playing soccer for the first time since he was 10 years old. Whitaker headed the ball through the net just before the half to give the Beavers some momentum heading into the break.
“It was a beautiful goal,” Schultz said.
Sophomore keeper Alex Reichelderfer finished the night with 11 saves. Schultz praised Ramez and Zach Byer for their performances in the mid and back, respectively.
“If I could name my whole team, I would,” Schultz said.
Forks scored its two goals in the 69th and 71st minutes, both on long balls over the top where the Beavers had some miscommunication with the keeper and centerbacks. But, overall, Schultz was happy with how his team played, specifically with the defense and with creating more chances offensively, even if they couldn’t capitalize on them in the end.
It was a marked improvement from the Beavers’ 7-0 loss to Elma in the season opener on Wednesday. The Beavers held their own against a Forks team that won the league title in 2019 and advanced to the state tournament that year. Eight Spartans’ seniors this year were on that 2019 team and most of them were starters then, too.
Tenino (0-2) will look to get its first win of the season when it hosts league rival Hoquiam at 6 p.m. on Monday.
