Philomath High’s girls soccer team opened the season Friday afternoon at the Oregon High School Soccer Showcase in Bend with a 4-0 shutout over Crook County, a 4A playoff qualifier a year ago that has since moved up to 5A.
Sophomore Kya Bolton scored all four goals in the win — two with assists by senior Ana Candanoza and two others unassisted.
“It was a great-opening game against a solid team,” Warriors coach Mat Phelps said.
Philomath’s offense overwhelmed the opponent early and took a 1-0 lead in the opening seconds. The Warriors added another goal in the 11th minute and then a third goal in the 26th.
“We got started with a great combination play goal with Ana and Kya,” Phelps said. “Kya scored a long free kick for the second. Ana crossed to Kya in the box for a wide open goal (on the third).”
Philomath added a fourth goal five minutes into the second half.
“We worked on keeping the ball more and spreading out the field,” Phelps said. “On the last goal, Kya stole from a defender and dribbled in close to finish.”
Philomath (1-0) will play at 11 a.m. Saturday in its second game at the tournament. The Warriors will face Henley, which opened with a 2-0 win over La Grande. Like the Warriors, the Hornets reached the 4A quarterfinals last season.
Philomath 4, Crook County 0
Friday, Sept. 5, at Bend Timbers Soccer Fields, Bend
| Philomath (1-0) | 3 | 1 | 4 |
| Crook County (0-1) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
First Half — 1, Philomath, Bolton (Candanoza), 1st minute; 2, Philomath, Bolton (unassisted), 11th minute; 3, Philomath, Bolton (Candanoza), 26th minute.
Second Half — 4, Philomath, Bolton (unassisted), 45th minute.