STAYTON – Stephanie Socotch notched her third game-winning goal of the season here Tuesday afternoon to help La Salle Prep to a 1-0 Capital Conference girls’ varsity soccer victory over Stayton High School.
The win improved the Falcons’ conference record to 7-2-1 and their overall mark to 8-5-1.
Socotch, a senior who returned to the lineup after sitting out since Oct. 15 with a concussion, fought through two defenders late in the second half to get to a pass from Courtney Lyell and slid the ball past the Stayton goalkeeper.
“Steph’s leadership and play on the field is so valuable to us,” said La Salle coach Ryan Cereghino. “She provides a level of intensity and skill that is unmatched. Courtney Lyell started at right wing and played her best game of the season. She plays intense defense, fought for many 50-50 balls, and put some nice balls into our strikers’ feet, including finding Stephanie for the game-winning score.”
La Salle held a decided advantage in shots on goal, registering nine to Stayton’s one, in a game played on a sloppy, muddy field.
“This was the first time all season we played on a loose, muddy field,” said Cereghino. “Our players adjusted well as the game progressed and focused on their touch on the ball. I thought Stayton’s keeper played very well and made some key saves for their team.”
Next up for La Salle is Senior Night Thursday vs. Gladstone at La Salle Stadium. The match begins at 6:30 p.m.
Eight seniors playing in their final regular season home game will be Carly Christoferson, Liz Danna, Stephanie Socotch, Marissa Cereghino, Genny Robinson, Courtney Lyell, Ashley Nunn, and Safiyah Maurice.
Dave Haglund
