Maddie Kemp channeled her inner Tobin Heath for a long-distance goal and the Camas girls soccer team remained unbeaten this season as a result.
It was Heath — the Portlland Thorns and United States Women’s National Team standout — who inspired Kemp’s shot from 35 yards that produced the only goal on Tuesday as the Papermakers beat rival Union 1-0 at McKenzie Stadium.
“I saw Tobin Heath take a shot like that on TV in the World Cup,” Kemp said. “The thought went through my mind. I saw that (the goalkeeper) was really far off her line, so I figured I’d take it, and it went in.”
The goal came in the 19th minute and improved Camas to 9-0-1 overall and 2-0-0 in the Class 4A Greater St. Helens League. Union fell to 6-4-0 overall and 2-1 in league.
Camas, the more experienced team, dominated possession but the Papermakers could not add a second goal against a hard-working and organized Union defense. The Titans had one chance to tie it, but a long free kick by Isabelle Morales with about 10 minutes left was caught by Camas goalkeeper Karsyn Quade.
Much of the match was played with Camas in Union’s half of the field. The Papermakers won most of the contested balls and did a good job of keeping possession on the wet McKenzie Stadium turf.
Camas midfielders Hannah Taie, Sabine Postma and Morgan Winston are club soccer teammates with FC Salmon Creek, a connection that Taie said translate to the high school season.
“We all just have really good chemistry. I know they have my back no matter what and if I step up I know that they’re going to cover me,” Taie said.
For a young Union team it was another painful outing. Fullback Macee Woods, one of six freshmen on the roster, left the game with a leg injury in the second half, adding to a string of injuries for the Titans.
Union coach Kelcey Burris said he was proud of the way his players battled in a match that was a typical physical, aggressive contest between the rivals. He said the play of freshmen outside backs Woods and Erin Beniga was strong.
Kemp said she is excited about how the Papermakers continue to improve.
“I feel like we’re going to be strong this season. We’re all really competitive,” Kemp said. “We’re going to see what the future brings. I’m hoping something big.”
