The start of this year, the Echo Cougar girls soccer team knew they were going to be a top team. They returned a full roster and also gained new players. They knew they were going to have a memorable and thrilling season ahead.

The soccer girls start off the season on the road with the annual overnight trip. Coming back with not one but two big wins both with the score of 5-0. They continue to fight strong gaining three more wins and two ties. At an away game against Umatilla, they gain their first loss of the season. Not having two starters able to play due to injury.

The Cougars want to come back strong from a rough game. They turn it around with a 4 game winning streak. Two games end early due to mercy ruling.

Last home game of the season, senior night, a big game for the cougars. Knowing they are going to play a tough team they are ready for the challenge. Riverside scores in the first half leaving it 1-0 going into halftime. 25 minutes into the second quarter, Junior Jaycee Campbell scored to tie up the score 1-1. With 3 minutes remaining, Riverside’s America Garcia shoots from the top of the 18 yard line making the score 2-1. Coach Danielle MacBride says “Unfortunately, soccer is as difficult as the coaches and players make it. Tonight was no different. We knew coming into tonight it would be a grudge match, but no team can compete with us when we play our controlled, collective game. I’m proud of how the girls competed individually and held their composure, but we needed that team effort to pull this one out and it just didn’t click when we needed it to.”

One last league game remains in the season. The cougars are hopeful of having a state playoff game in their future. With a travel game to Mac-Hi, the girls come out winning 2-0 and finishing second in their league standings. The Cougars have an overall record of 10-2-2. They finish with the 11th seed standing on state rankings. This gives them a bye to the second round of state playoffs. They will face the Umatilla Vikings for the second round state playoff game.

The girls are thrilled to play against a familiar team, and the proximity makes it feel almost like a home game. With a full week of practices under their belts, their hopes are high for the upcoming match. Never before has this team ventured so far in the state playoffs; while they hosted a first-round game last year, they unfortunately faced defeat. This game marks the Cougars’ third appearance in the state playoffs, a significant milestone in their journey.

Playing a tough 24 minutes, Umatilla scored with 16:22 left in the first half. Going into the second half, the Cougars needed just one goal to tie. Senior Emily Rose took a penalty kick, tying the score at 1-1. Soon after, Umatilla scored again. Eager to get the score toed again, sophomore Payton Maddison netted her first goal of the year, leveling the game at 2-2 with only 20 minutes left. The Cougars now needed to play solid defense. With 8 minutes remaining, Umatilla’s Alaina Jewett (Fr.) took a penalty kick and scored past junior goalkeeper Jude Royer. The Cougars couldn’t maintain possession, and the game ended 2-3, marking the end of their season.

The Cougars showcased an exceptional season, triumphing over numerous injuries throughout their journey. Achieving historic milestones, these young athletes have every reason to hold their heads high. Concluding a season after such a remarkable run is never easy, especially when it might be your last, yet these girls have left an indelible mark on their team, school, league, and the state overall. With six senior starters poised to graduate, including three from the defensive line, the team has established a robust foundation for future success. The Cougars can take immense pride in their significant accomplishments this season.

K.S.