A late goal off the foot of Toledo’s Xtyn Norberg tied the game late in Tenino on Monday night, and neither team was able to find the go-ahead goal in the final minutes of a 1-1 draw.
Both teams had plenty of chances throughout the game, but through 73 minutes of action, a direct free kick from Tenino’s Callie Mickelson in the 38th minute was the only goal of the game.
The Riverhawks finally broke through in the 74th, when a pass from Aspen Cooper ended up at Norberg’s feet, and her shot tied the game.
The final five-plus minutes were described by Tenino co-head coach Trevor Fetbrandt as a “track race,” as both teams raced up and down the field trying to find a game-winner.
“Both teams had been pushing and pressing so hard, the normal fatigue set in,” Fetbrandt said. “There were a few chances going both ways.”
Ultimately, the final whistle blew, and both sides had plenty of positives to take away.
“It was a good, competitive game,” Toledo coach Horst Malunat said. “We never gave up. We got scored on, came out in the second half, and put a lot of pressure on them.”
Both coaches complimented the other’s teams, saying that it was exactly the type of preseason matchup they would hope for, especially with league play right around the corner.
“It primes us for what to expect,” Fetbrandt said. “It was a great test tonight.”
Fetbrandt praised Mickelson’s effort offensively, and he also commended Maria Summers and eighth-grader Sophie Espino.
“She was defensively very impressive,” Fetbrandt said. “She’s applying so many of our principles, and she’s doing it at such a young age. We expect her to be a big piece going forward.”
Gracie Sweet made seven saves in net, and Tenino co-head coach Dave Montgomery made sure to acknowledge her performance.
“She was sweep keeping and playing great out of the back,” Montgomery said. “And, obviously, had a great statistical night in goal as well.”
Malunat credited his team for never giving up, even after a second yellow card forced them to play with just 10 players in the final 15 minutes.
“Just trying to finish with a win, but it didn’t happen,” Malunat said.
Tenino (5-1-2) will head to Montesano on Thursday, while Toledo (2-2-1) will head to Battle Ground next Monday, Sept. 29.
