The Centralia College men’s soccer team was 45 minutes away from a frustrated six-hour drive back home Saturday. But the Trailblazers found their fight, and instead the ride turned into a party on wheels after a 3-2 win over Southwestern Oregon in Coos Bay.
Toledo alum Matthew Etheridge got the second half on the right note, scoring off an assist from Rogelio Santillan Guzman less than five minutes in. Things stood at 2-1 for over 15 minutes, until Tristin Evans scored to level it in the 77th. With a point already salvaged, CC kept going, and Black Hills’ own Jace Brookersen gave it the game-winner in the 84th to send the Blazers home ecstatic.
Daniel Bailey made his first start in net for CC, and it got off to a rough start, with the Lakers scoring in the opening minute. The hosts added another goal midway through the first half to double their lead, but Bailey — who made a pair of saves — and the Blazer defense held things down the rest of the way to set up the comeback.
Centralia College (3-3-2) will open up a week at home Wednesday, against South Puget Sound.
