Shadow boot Rangers

ABBOTSFORD, British Columbia – The Spokane Shadow used a quick start to breeze to a 3-1 victory over the Abbotsford Rangers in Premier Development League soccer action on Saturday night.

Jake Moug found the net early, scoring on a 30-yard cross from Kyle Wirtz in the ninth minute of play to give the Shadow the lead.

Scott Campbell stretched the advantage to 2-0 in the 20th minute when he connected for an unassisted goal after the Abbotsford defenders failed to clear a corner kick.

Spokane’s final tally came 14 minutes into the second half. Brett Hite fired a shot above the head of Rangers back-up goalie Spencer Smith to make it 3-0.

Abbotsford (2-12) avoided the shutout when Colin Phillips headed in a shot in the 61st minute for an unassisted goal.

Smith finished with nine saves, while Spokane goalie Dade Smith finished with a pair of saves.

Spokane outshot the Rangers 16-5 on the night.

The Shadow, who improved to 8-4 on the season, will have to get some help if they hope to make the playoffs.

Spokane, which entered the night trailing the front-running Cascade Surge (10-1-1) by 10 points, has four matches remaining, including today’s 2 p.m. rematch with the cellar-dwelling Rangers. It’s possible Spokane could win out and miss the playoffs.

Usually two playoff spots go to each division, but this year the East Division is allotted just one.

Spokane still has a pair of games against Cascade, however, including Saturday’s regular-season home finale. A sweep of the Surge would make things interesting down the stretch.