The Yelm soccer team is nearing the end of the season and in order to make the postseason, they’ll need to secure some wins in their final games.
The four remaining games of the regular season will be South Sound Conference matchups. Coach Jay Dorhauer feels like the girls are primed for a potential playoff run.
On Tuesday, Oct. 11, the team faced off against Peninsula High School who secured a 3-0 win.
Dorhauer said the girls played a tough game, but they let some mental mistakes affect their gameplay.
The contest was tied 0-0 in the final minutes of the first half, until there was an own-goal by the Tornados. After the accidental goal, Yelm wasn’t able to gain more momentum.
“It was a close to even match. We had some chances and couldn’t convert,” Dorhauer said. “Unfortunately, it was a tight first half, and in the last couple of minutes we had an own goal that hurt. We recovered nicely but we still weren’t able to capitalize.”
The Tornados were scheduled for a contest with Capital on Friday, Oct. 14, but it was canceled due to poor air quality. That matchup has been postponed until Monday, Oct. 24.
“I think we’re ready for this last week and a half to push and try to make the playoffs,” Dorhauer said. “These girls have worked very hard and they want it badly. They’re well rested and hungry to win.”
Dorhauer said their game against North Thurston High School on Tuesday, Oct. 18 was a must win for the Tornados. He said the team needs to take at least three of their final four matchups to have a shot at the post season.
“If we can win three out of those four, I really believe we can make the playoffs,” Dorhauer said. “It also depends on what other teams do, but if we can win those three, it’ll help us out a lot. It’ll help us out even more if we get the (Central Kitsap) game.”
Following the road matchup with North Thurston, the Tornados are set to play in an away matchup with Central Kitsap, a home matchup with Capital, and another home matchup with River Ridge on Oct. 25 to celebrate senior night.
