2A Prep Boys Soccer: R.A. Long lets Columbia River off the hook in District semis

Slippery When Wet – Lumberjacks surrender two late goals in 3-1 loss to Rapids

R.A. Long’s Eric Garcia works to keep the soccer ball away from a gang of Columbia River defenders during a 2A District IV Tournament semifinal in Hazel Dell on Tuesday, May 13. The Lumberjacks allowed two goals in the final six minutes in a 3-1 loss. / Photo courtesy of Benjamin Hendrickson

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High School Boys Soccer

HAZEL DELL – The Lumberjacks were *this* close to carving out a perfect pair of bookends in their quest for a berth to the state tournament on Tuesday, but instead suffered a 3-1 loss to at Columbia River in the semifinals of the 2A District IV Tournament.

In case you don’t remember, R.A. Long handed the Rapids their only loss of the season way back on opening night in early March. More than two months later, and with stoppage time coming up quick on the horizon the Lumberjacks had another upset in sight, and the game tied 1-1 on enemy turf.

“I feel like we had the right game plan – confidently going right at them throughout the match, rather than sitting back,” R.A. Long head coach Max Anderson said. “It was effective. We had significant possession and kept them getting comfortable for most of the night.”

But Columbia River tacked on two goals over the final six minutes and sent the Jacks to the dark side of the bracket.

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