A barrage of goals over a seven-minute stretch of the first half helped Stayton to a 4-0 victory Tuesday over Philomath in an Oregon West Conference boys soccer matchup.
With Stayton leading 1-0, Eagles senior Addison Samuell achieved a hat trick with goals in the 24th, 29th and 31st minutes.
“We talked at half about showing our opponent too much respect and focusing on the little things — tackling, pressure, winning the physical battles,” PHS coach Dave Ellis said. “The second was much improved, conceding zero goals and creating a handful of second-half chances.”
Ellis said he hoped the experience would be a lesson learned for the team moving forward.
“It was a game of two halves and a serious walk-up call about being mentally ready,” Ellis said. “Stayton jumped on us early with a smooth exchange of passing and scoring within five minutes. We looked like a deer in the headlights the rest of the half while 19 (Samuell) scored three more.”
Stayton (5-0 overall, 2-0 Oregon West) took control from the start — the first goal on a shot by junior Nick Pelayo.
Philomath (3-2, 1-1) will hit the road again Thursday for a jaunt over to Cascade. The Cougars have struggled to a 1-5 record so far this season, including a 7-1 loss Tuesday at North Marion.
