Combined girls soccer falls in first match

In order to form a team this fall, Clatskanie, Rainier, and Knappa High Schools girls soccer have merged to create the “RCK” team. The girls had their first match last Thursday, Sept. 11 in a non-league game against Portland’s Catlin Gabel on the Rainier High School field. “The teams were very evenly matched in terms of speed, conditioning, and passion for the competition,” said Head Coach Eric Smythe. “RCK had 13 shots on goal and scored one late in the second half. Catlin Gabel had 14 shots on goal for a score of 9. This is the first year for our goalie(s), and it was their first game in that position.” To add “injury to insult,” RCK had a player exit the game via concussion protocol, according to Smythe. “Maddie Twitchell and Mylie Lempea worked well with a number of shots on goal supported by midfield players Tessa Newberry and Rainey Palm,” said Smythe. “Defense was led by Presley Scott and Cora Evenson.” RCK (0-1) will have a non-league neutral match against Portland’s Riverdale (2-1-1) on Thursday, Sept. 18 at 4:15 p.m. The team will then face Astoria on Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 4:15 p.m.