RIDGEFIELD — For 20 minutes following a 2-1 season-ending defeat to Aberdeen on Saturday, the Ridgefield boys soccer players reminded each other what this season meant.
They spoke of their bond and the memories they’ll take with them beyond high school. This group was particularly tight-knit, making the end to a 9-11 season that much harder.
“It’s a strong bond of players,” Ridgefield coach Brian Newman said. “They are just good guys, really intelligent guys. I’m just proud of them playing like this and to compete like this.”
For the second straight season, following a nine-year run in the tournament, Ridgefield will miss the state tournament.
But after a 1-4 start to the season and a four-game losing streak midway through, coming so close was a testament to exactly what the Spudders achieved this year.
“We couldn’t figure out who we were,” Newman said of the season’s struggles. “They started believing in themselves. We started finding our identity.”
On Saturday, Aberdeen capitalized on two corner kicks to eliminate the Spudders.
In the 23rd minute, Romeo Sanchez netted a loose ball that sailed over everybody’s head, the stiff wind from the north carrying it to the Bobcat junior’s feet.
Again in the 64th, the Bobcats found glory from the corner. As the sun set on Mount St. Helens in the distance, Angel Sanchez rose up and headed home the final tally to return the Bobcats to state.
Ridgefield’s Fernando Jimenez scored on a penalty kick in the 44th minute to tie the game at 1-1 after Aberdeen committed a hand ball in the penalty area. With the wind at their back, the Spudders had good chances but couldn’t poke in an elusive goal.
“Whenever we play Aberdeen, it’s never going to be easy,” Newman said. The teams have faced in five consecutive district playoffs. “It was a battle and I think the last 20 minutes, we gave everything we could give to have an opportunity to make a difference.”
Defensively, the Spudders were strong. Joe Lindbo had to make just four saves, all in the first half. Ethan Wirchak made several strong tackles in one-on-one situations.
Ridgefield will graduate eight seniors, including Lindbo and Wirchak. The determination to be within 80 minutes of a state bid despite the struggles of the year will be a nice boost for coach Newman as he heads into his 11th year seeking a return to state.
“I was hoping to go a little farther; it’s always a big boost for a program,” Newman said. “But there’s always next year.”
