Cheney scores 2-0 win in state opener

Championship soccer may seem to be a game of thrust and parry with occasional scoring bursts.

And two such explosive goals lifted Cheney past West Valley-Yakima 2-0 in the first round of State 3A play.

But for coach Steve Davis, the essence of the game is unselfishness, the reason why Cheney has qualified for the state quarterfinals and will host Lakeside of Seattle on Saturday.

“That’s what soccer is all about,” he said. “This is what this team does.”

The victory was the second over WV-Yakima in a week and ran the Blackhawks’ playoff shutout streak to three matches, or a total of four scoreless hours.

The first goal came near midpoint of the first half, a combination of fancy footwork by Ben Parker and a stunning header from near the top of the 18-yard box by sophomore Mitch Weller.

The second score came in the first minute of the second half on a play that the Blackhawks hadn’t shown their foe previously.

“We didn’t run any of those short corner kicks,” said Jesse Retan, who started the play. “We knew if we changed the game a bit it would throw them off. Just that quick volley will always catch a team of guard.”

Instead of bending a corner kick into the goal box or sending it across the field, Retan touched it a few yards out to Devin Merrill, who in turn sent the ball to the far post where charging Adam Zakrzewski found paydirt.

“They saw the opportunity and took it,” said Davis of the two scores. “They love to work together and love to share the ball. That’s what makes them successful this year.”

He had worried coming in that given Cheney’s previous win they might lack intensity in the rematch. And with the game played in 90-degree heat, fatigue was another possible concern.

But the Blackhawks kept the visiting Rams at bay and goalkeeper Ryan Hooley only had to make one particularly difficult save.

Some of the reason was the defense, anchored by junior Ryan Chang, who cleared the ball numerous times.

“He’s so big and physical,” said teammate Retan, “that he scares an offense.”

And the Blackhawks kept the pressure on offensively with their spacing and ball movement.

“I think we gave 100 percent out there on a hot day, but we still have work ahead of us,” said Davis. “We didn’t play as consistent in our style as I’d like to see. We just need to be more patient and I think we can be more successful in our patterns of play.”

For Retan, one of several current players who reached the state semifinals in 2004, it’s about making a return.

“We know what it’s like,” he said. “We know what we have to do.”

4A: Ferris’ season came to an end with a first-round 4-2 state loss to Bellarmine Prep in Tacoma.

The Saxons (13-5-1) fell behind 2-0 on two breakaway goals by Chase Tangney, but rallied to tie on scores by Trevor Crain, on a header from 6 yards out, and Connor Hennessey at 66 minutes.

But Bellarmine scored two minutes later and added their final goal at the 78-minute mark.

2A: One-goal losses brought an end to the soccer seasons of Pullman and Riverside as well.

The previously unbeaten Greyhounds (18-1) were ousted 2-1 in a shootout by Cascade-Leavenworth and the Rams (11-7) lost 1-0 to Quincy.

Pullman scored late in the first half, but Cascade tied the match early in the second half and outscored the Pullman 4-3 in the shootout.