TDHS Boys Varsity Soccer in hunt for playoff berth; three games left

TDHS Riverhawks Boys Varsity soccer is in the hunt for a playoff berth with three games to go. Contributed photo

By Tom Peterson

The Dalles High School Varsity Soccer Team is in the hunt for a playoff berth as the teaming is starting to jell and getting outstanding play from Freshman phenom Hulises Najera.

Najera has 18 goals on the season, six of them coming in a single game against Pendleton on Tuesday, Oct. 19.

Freshman Hulises Najera has scored 18 goals this season, 6 of them against Pendleton. And, yeah, he’s a freshman. The future looks bright for TDHS soccer. Contributed photo

The team will be in action today, Thursday, Oct. 21 at 4 p.m. at the Wahtonka Campus. They are playing Ridgeview.

The team has 5 wins, 4 losses and 2 ties this season with just three games to go. 

“They need to beat Redmond in Redmond on Tuesday (Oct. 26) to make it into the playoffs,” said Luis Alberto Alvarado whose son, Luciano, is blocking shots at the net. 

“We have like 10 sophomores and three seniors and we’re competing well,” he said. “I think the future looks pretty bright. There’s a really good core there.”

Chances in Playoffs

“It’s a new season when you hit the playoffs,” Alvarado said. “Once play starts, anything can happen really.” 

“Seniors are key part of this whole team,” he added, noting Alex Wood, Terry Proctor and Tristan Bass have been key to the team’s success thus far.

“They bring a lot of experience and strength to the team. Alex Wood, hands down, is first-team all-league. He’s an exceptional defender.”

Alex Wood playing some strong defense this year. Contributed photo

The team will finish out the regular season at Sid White Field at home against Hood River on Oct. 28 at 6:30 p.m. with Senior Night.

It will be ‘blackout night’ where fans wear their black Riverhawk regalia.  

At halftime, seniors will receive recognition for the past four years of effort. 

“The band and cheerleaders will be there,” Alvarado said. “Come out and make some noise.”

This story is sponsored by :

The Dalles Iron Works

Welding, Machining & Fabrication Since 1905 at 720 E. 2nd St., The Dalles.

Jon Keyser and his crew can solve your problems big or small, ranging from the manufacture of ornate iron gates to repairing heavy equipment. His team includes wife Holly and son Jon Jr. who have spent years dedicating themselves to community good, most notably on the Dufur Volunteer Fire & Ambulance.