Submitted by North Thurston Public Schools
The River Ridge High School boys soccer team beat Timberline High School 4-3 Tuesday March 23, 2021 in an exciting SSC soccer game at South Sound Stadium in Lacey to begin Season Two of the shortened 2021 high school sports season. Timberline led 3-1 going into half time but Ridge senior forward Patrick Chapman’s hat trick swung the moment towards the Hawks in the second half to help River Ridge win 4-3.
Gabriel Dodge scored in the 59th minute for River Ridge, after Chapman scored back-to-back goals in the 57th and 52nd minutes to lead the Hawks. “We just came together in the second half and played as a team and got it done,” Chapman remarked after the game.
River Ridge Head Coach Kristin Liukkonen was ecstatic with the fight of her team. “We have been underestimated in the past and tonight we proved that we have heart and a drive to play some great soccer,” Liukkonen stated.
Nick Boatright, head coach for Timberline, spoke on the tale of two halves. “Both teams battled and we were edged out in a seven-goal thriller,” Boatright stated. “I am really proud of my guys and impressed by the River Ridge staff and team.”
Timberline’s Luke Degon scored once and had two assists to lead the Blazers.
