Kalama jumped on Toledo early and the Riverhawks were never able to mount a comeback in a 2-1 loss at home in 2B Central League South Division action Monday — the Riverhawks first loss of the season.
Kalama’s Josie Brandenburg knocked in a penalty kick in the 15th minute to help the Chinooks to an early lead, but Toledo’s Hope Gould nailed the equalizer just before the half in the 41st minute.
Brandenburg put the Chinooks up for good when her shot skipped over Daphnie Bybee’s outstretched arm in the 61st minute to give Kalama what would be the game-deciding goal.
“We had a pretty good amount of time possessing the ball, but Kalama moved the ball around and made us chase,” Toledo coach Noel Vazquez said.
The Riverhawks, who have been shorthanded all season, were forced to play with just 12 girls for the final 60 minutes after losing a substitute. But Vazquez said his team now recognizes it can hang with the likes of defending district champion Kalama.
“A lot of the girls were upset with the final result; I was upset,” Vazquez said. “Kalama is well coached. We’re always making progress. The girls know we can trust ourselves to go head to head with a team like Kalama.”
Toledo (7-1, 2-1 league) hosts South Division rival Onalaska (7-1) on Wednesday.
“It’s a big test but the girls always embrace the games against Ony,” Vazquez said.
