PORT ANGELES — A staggering amount of victories were earned on the former turf at Wally Sigmar Field by the Peninsula College men’s and women’s soccer teams and area prep sides since its installation in 2010.
And the Port Angeles boys opened up a new era on the brand new cushioned FieldTurf surface with what else? — a win, blanking Olympic 5-0 Thursday night.
“The theme for the night was that the Riders created a lot of chances, but didn’t do a very good job of finishing their opportunities,” coach Chris Saari said. “Our passing game also needs to grow and develop in order to be able to compete with the top teams in the league. We got the result, but we need to improve their overall game as they face North Kitsap and Bainbridge next week who are two of the top teams in the league.”
Port Angeles put three goals across in quick succession in the first half.
“Port Angeles controlled the game early, but were unable to capitalize on their chances until the 24th minute when Kaleb Gagnon knocked in a rebound shot at the far post off a corner kick,” Saari said.
It was Gagnon’s first goal of the season.
Hannes Spieker notched a goal in the 31st minute for a 2-0 lead, his second straight game with a score.
Keane McClain earned the assist on the Riders’ second goal in the 36th minute with a good through ball behind the Trojans’ defense to freshman Matthew Miller. Miller had just missed on a penalty kick after being fouled in the box but he bounced back for a quick score.
“Matthew placed the shot past the Trojan goalkeeper as he came out to cut down the shooting angle,” Saari said.
Miller added his second goal of the game on another McClain assist in the 72nd minute.
“Keane crossed a free kick from the right side to the far post and Matthew headed the ball off the left corner of the crossbar and down into the goal,” Saari said.
Jacob Miller followed up his own rebound in the box for his first goal and Port Angeles’ final tally in the 74th minute.
Miller earned Offensive Player of the Match honors, while a host of transition players were praised for their play including Spieker, Jacob Miller, McClain and Gagnon.
Zak Alton was picked as the Defensive Player of the Match.
“Zak Alton did well in defense with his ball winning and distribution,” Saari said.
Marcus Hogan got the shutout in goal for Port Angeles.
The Riders (3-1, 4-1) host North Kitsap (3-1) for early possession of first place in the Class 2A Olympic League race on Tuesday.
“We came into the game a little banged up and will use the weekend of rest to try and get healthy,” Saari said.
Softball Sequim 26, Bremerton 11
SEQUIM — The Wolves hit .700 as a team to wallop the Knights in a slugfest Thursday.
“[We were 23 of 30 hitting as a team,” coach Mike McFarlen said.
Leading the way for Sequim at the plate: Mikki Green was 4 for 4, Mia Kirner went 3 for 3, Taylee Rome was 2 for 2 with two walks and Mia Pozernick went 3 for 4.
Lainey Vig went 3 for 5 at-bat and came on in relief to throw four strikeouts and allow two walks and no hits to close out the game.
Sequim (2-2, 2-0) visits North Kitsap on Tuesday.
Track & Field Port Angeles at Bremerton
BREMERTON — Parker Nickerson set a new personal best in the long jump — leaping 19 feet, 8 inches — and Jack Gladfelter set a season-best mark in winning the 800-meters to pace the Roughriders in a four-team Olympic League meet.
Port Angeles finished second overall in the boys competition with 56 team points, behind Bremerton’s 68.
Gladfelter ran the 800 in 2 minutes, 5.20 seconds. He, along with Nickerson, Dallas Dunning and Tymur Lytvak teamed to win the 4×400 relay with a time of 4:00.12.
Lytvak also set a new individual record time of 57.59 in racing to a win in the 400.
Tanner McLean set personal bests while finishing second in the 110-(20.8) and 300-hurdles (49.97).
Owen Oakes also set a new best in the javelin with a distance of 113-07 to place second. Trevor Martin posted a record throw in the shot put (38-07) and Jason Hawes blazed to a new personal record time of 11.7 to finish second in the 100 sprint.
Violet Mills won the javelin with a throw of 82-02 for the Port Angeles girls. The Riders finished third with 27 points, behind Bainbridge (66) and Bremerton (77).
Faerin Tait set a new best time of (18.23) to place second in the 100 hurdles. Tait also was second in the 400 (1:09.89) and third in the 300 hurdles (55.96).
Samara Holshouser also set new top marks in the 100 (13.8) and 200 (29.62) to finish second and third, respectively.
Port Angeles will host an Olympic League meet on Thursday.
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Sports reporter Michael Carman can be contacted at mcarman@peninsuladailynews.com.
KEITH THORPE/PENINSULA DAILY NEWS Port Angeles’ Jacob Miller, center, works his way pas Olympic’s Gavin Christensen, left, and Chace Guerrero on Thursday night in Port Angeles
KEITH THORPE/PENINSULA DAILY NEWS Port Angeles’ Caim Valles, front, slips past the defense of Olympic’s Chase Guerrero on Thursday night in Port Angeles.
KEITH THORPE/PENINSULA DAILY NEWS Port Angeles’ Caden White, center, slips past Olympic’s Andres Manriquez, right, as Olympic midfielders Gavin Christensen, rear left, and Port Angeles’ Hannes Spieker keep watch on Thursday at Peninsula College.
