Ontario deflates Payette boys

Ray Rodriguez | Argus Observer Ontario's Mark Laney (right) and Payette's Kelly Higby scurry for possession of a loose ball during Monday's non-league boys soccer match at Harmon Killebrew Field in Payette.

ADVERTISEMENT

“It felt great to get back on the field,” Salgado said. “I was just waiting for the chance to get on the field and make some goals. I was ready for this, and I was real excited that I was able to put some balls in the net.”

The Tigers exhibited pure domination against the young Payette squad, with crisp passes and ball control to push back the Pirate defenders. Ontario had 13 shots on goal and kept Pirate goalkeeper Brandon Bake busy. Without the heroics of Bake, the game could have taken a turn for the worse for Payette.

“I pointed out to the guys that the potential is in them,” Payette head coach Roger Aguilar said. “Brandon did a good job, but you have to give credit to the defense. Michael Rich did a tremendous job for us on defense. They (Ontario) didn't have many shots on goal and that comes from putting pressure on the ball. The goals they scored were a result of us not putting pressure on the ball.”

After some midfield play by both teams, Salgado started the scoring at the 27-minute mark after he beat Payette defenders to a loose ball. Salgado then found an open lane and lofted a shot that tipped off the gloves of Bake.

“I was really happy with the way we controlled the ball, controlled the field and passed it around them,” Ontario head coach Brandon Smith said. “We should have made more goals. That is the only thing I can complain about today. This game was fun to watch and fun to coach.”

Seven minutes later, Salgado was up to his old tricks, this time giving rather than receiving. Salgado dribbled down the right sideline and volleyed a pass in the penalty area to teammate Brendon Collins, who headed it in. Ontario had all of the momentum going for them going into the break with a 2-0 lead.

Although Payette was shut out in the game, the Pirates had a golden opportunity in the opening minutes of the second half when forward Dominic Bolin was fouled in the penalty area. Bolin then had his shot stopped by Ontario goalkeeper Martin Reyes. Reyes was subbing for usual starter Brett Hytrek, who injured his ankle during the Tigers' 5-1 loss to Mac-Hi Saturday.

Reyes never missed a beat as he made several key stops in the second half when the Pirates created scoring chances.

“It's good to see how well he could do,” Smith said. “Martin's a good goalie, so I wasn't worried about it. He has played goalie for a long time. He always does a nice job.”

Salgado added his second goal of the game at the 66-minute mark and Tommy Martinez added a header at the 79th minute to push the lead to 4-0.

Payette (2-16-1 overall) next heads into district play starting Thursday in Homedale, and defensive stalwart Michael Rich is confident his team will fare well.

“I think we have come a long way since the beginning of the season,” Rich said. “We're ready for districts, we just have to be more aggressive on the field. By playing Ontario, it prepares us for districts by showing us what we need to work on with our strengths and weaknesses. I think it's a good thing.”

Ontario (6-3-1 overall, 1-1 Greater Oregon League) hosts GOL opponent Baker City Thursday.