In a showdown between the top two girls soccer teams in the Oregon West Conference, North Marion playing on its home field came from behind Thursday to defeat Philomath, 2-1.
The Warriors took an early lead on a penalty kick by senior Bailey Bell. In the 12th minute, junior Petra Hernandez made a move to get into scoring position and drew a penalty. Bell then lined up for the PK to give PHS early momentum.
PHS coach Mat Phelps said it was a very physical game.
“The first half was back and forth,” he said. “We had a close chance early in the second half with their keeper coming out and a collision with our player but no foul called.”
North Marion scored goals in the 55th and 60th minutes.
“We just had a lapse in picking up the runs,” Phelps said.
Phelps said PHS junior Heidi Bacho played well in goal with several saves.
North Marion remains unbeaten in the Oregon West at 3-0 and improves to 5-2 overall. The Huskies are No. 4 in the OSAA rankings. Philomath drops to 2-1 in league, 5-2 overall with a No. 8 OSAA ranking. The two schools will meet again Oct. 17 at the PHS pitch in a match that could determine the conference champion.
The Warriors are scheduled to play at 4 p.m. Tuesday at home against Stayton.
