CAMAS — One well-struck opportunity was all that separated Camas and Union in the final girls soccer match of the Class 4A Greater St. Helens League regular season.
Riley Allison’s shot from outside the penalty area found its way into the goal, lifting the host Papermakers to a 1-0 win that earns Camas the league title.
Camas and Union split two league matches — Union won 4-0 in the first match — but the Papermakers’ 8-1-1 record edged the Titans’ 8-2 mark.
The teams will return to Doc Harris Stadium at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday to play for the top seed top represent District 4 in the postseason. Saturday’s winner clinches a place in the state tournament. Saturday’s loser must win two more matches to reach state.
On Thursday, the prize was a league title. Allison’s goal and assertive play from the Papermakers’ midfield and defense earned that trophy for Camas.
“The whole group today, just worked, worked, worked,” Camas coach Roland Minder said.
That effort was focused on winning battles in the air and for loose balls, as well as pressuring the Titans whenever Union gained possession.
“We wanted to win all of the balls in the air, especially in midfield so we could move forward and penetrate their defense,” Camas defender Rachel Gibson said. “Our midfielders definitely won that battle. I think that was our strength today.”
Thursday’s result was the ninth shutout in 10 league matches. That despite losing center backs Carly Marshall and Haley Rose to injuries prior to the season, and goalkeeper Lauren Rood to the under-17 national team. Junior Marie Matthew has handled the goalkeeping, with sophomore Mason Minder and junior Maddie Belzer at center back.
Allison scored midway through the first half, connecting with the ball after a Union defender knocked it out of the 18-yard box.
“Give them credit. They created and finished their chance and it stood up the rest of the way,” Union coach Kelcey Burris said.
The Titans will get another shot at the Papermakers on Saturday. That’s just fine with Gibson, one of only three seniors healthy enough to play for the Papermakers.
“We get to play them again on Saturday. We’re really excited,” she said. “We want to play. We want to play good teams to get better.”
