MILWAUKIE – A season-high 32-shot attack by La Salle Prep resulted in just one goal but that was all the Falcons needed Thursday night as they registered their second straight Capital Conference varsity girls’ soccer victory with a 1-0 win over Estacada.
Stephanie Socotch, a senior midfielder, was credited with the game-winner when she put a shot to the right corner of the net after trapping a Marissa Cereghino corner kick in the middle of the box five minutes into the second half. Socotch, who leads the team with five goals, left the game later with a mild concussion after getting struck in the back of the head with a ball cleared by Estacada.
La Salle improved to 5-1-1 in conference play and will take an overall record of 6-4-1 into Monday’s game at Cascade.
“The team did a much better job of creating offensive chances, especially by running down balls and forcing corner kicks,” said La Salle coach Ryan Cereghino. “Marissa Cereghino has been putting in nice balls from the corner and the game was decided by finishing one of these set plays.”
Senior Liz Danna was one of a number of Falcons who stood out offensively, according to Ryan Cereghino.
“Liz is really starting to develop in the center of our midfield,” said the first-year Falcon head coach. “She made some wonderful passes to our wings down the line and smart runs with the ball up the field. She created some dangerous offensive chances for us with her penetrating runs.”
Not to be outdone was a sturdy Falcon defense, which recorded its second consecutive shutout and third in its last four games.
“The back line – comprised of senior Marissa Cereghino, junior Emily Basile, and freshmen Amanda Byrne and Chloe Basile -- did a great job of limiting Estacada’s shots and offensive production,” said the Falcon coach. “Senior Genny Robinson also played well in the back after Stephanie’s concussion. I needed to move Marissa up into the midfield and Genny did a good job of keeping our defensive line strong.”
Dave Haglund
