A stoppage-time goal broke up a tie game as we review recent boys prep soccer games on the Harbor.

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Elma 3, Montesano 2

A second-half, stoppage-time goal turned out to be a game-winner in Elma’s 3-2 win over Montesano on Monday at Davis Field in Elma.

Bulldogs (9-2 overall, 9-2 1A Evergreen) took the early lead when a corner kick by junior Andy Melendez was headed in by sophomore midfielder Daniel Schallon in the 26th minute.

The Eagles (6-5, 6-5) responded on the counter-attack just a minute later when several post-to-post passes eventually led to a goal by freshman midfielder Manny Venegas, with the assist going to sophomore midfielder Ivan Rodriguez.

In the second half, Elma would regain the lead when Venegas stole the ball from a Montesano center defender and scored in the 67th minute.

RYAN SPARKS | THE DAILY WORLD Montesano defender Terek Gunter (left) and Elma forward Manny Venegas ready to play a ball during the Eagles’ 3-2 win on Monday at Davis Field in Elma.

Ten minutes later, Montesano responded when standout forward Felix Romero sent one of his patented long throw-ins toward the back post, where midfielder Cris Tobar went untouched to score and tie the game up at 2-2.

Early into stoppage time, Rodriguez played the ball back across goal to sophomore midfielder Brayan Torres, who knocked it in for a 3-2 lead with just seconds remaining until the referee’s final whistle.

Elma head coach Carson Seaberg credited the play of Venegas, sophomore midfielder Diego Morales and goal keeper Trey Yeager.

“I thought Trey played an outstanding game. He’s a first-year varsity starter and he has just gotten tougher and tougher,” Seaberg said, noting Yeager extending his range to thwart potential Monte scoring chances. “Balls that we were having to defend all the way back into our box, he’s picking up. … He caught the ball well and made a bunch of saves. Two set-piece goals against him, that’s tough to place on him when we’re leaving people open. He played really well.”

RYAN SPARKS | THE DAILY WORLD Elma goalkeeper Trey Yeager (second from right) makes a play against oncoming Montesano forward Felix Romero (15) during the Eagles’ 3-2 win on Monday at Davis Field in Elma.

With the win, Elma stays a half-game ahead of Forks for fourth place in the league standings.

“This was an important win for us as far as trying to keep pace with the top teams in our league,” Seaberg said. “It was a good win for us in that matter.”

The loss moves Montesano 1.5 games behind Raymond-South Bend for the league lead, meaning the Bulldogs will need some help if they hope to claim the top spot in the 1A Evergreen this season.

Elma takes on Ilwaco at 6 p.m. on Wednesday at Ilwaco High School.

Montesano plays at Forks at 7 p.m. on Wednesday.

Montesano 1 1 – 2

Elma 1 2 – 3

Scoring

First half – 1, Montesano, Schallon (Melendez), 26th minute. 2, Elma, Venegas (I. Rodriguez), 27th minute.

Second half – 2, Elma, Venegas, 67th minute. 3, Montesano, Tobar (Romero), 77th minute. 4, Elma, B. Torres (I. Rodriguez), 81st minute.

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Aberdeen 2, Centralia 1

Aberdeen took a first-half lead and held on for a key 2-1 win over Centralia on Friday in Aberdeen.

The Bobcats (7-2, 4-1 2A Evergreen) got on the board at the midway point of the first half when Ricky Granados chipped a pass over the Tigers defense to senior forward Elmer Torres, who sent a shot on goal that was blocked.

The ball ended up on the foot of senior striker Marc Avila, who shot the ball past two defenders and the keeper from 12 yards out in the 21st minute.

Eight minutes later, Torres was taken down in the box to earn a Bobcats penalty kick. Edgar Ceja converted the PK for a 2-0 lead.

But just 30 seconds later, Aberdeen’s inability to clear a long ball in its own defensive third led to a header goal by Centralia (XXX), making it a 2-1 game heading into halftime.

In the second half, the Bobcats’ efficient and effective touch and passing game that has led them to be one of the 2A Evergreen Conference leaders this season was “nowhere to be found,” according to Cats head coach Larry Fleming.

The Tigers took advantage by spending the majority of the second half in the Bobcats’ defensive third, earning several good scoring chances in the process.

But the Aberdeen defense and goal keeper Grady Osina were able to keep the Tigers scoreless in the second half to preserve the win.

“I’m not very happy with our overall performance. We obviously need to get back to basics and work on our first touch and passing game,” Fleming said. “Regardless, we were able to play well enough on the defensive end to get the win and that’s the big positive.”

Fleming cited the performances of Aberdeen defenders Cris Lopez and Angel Espinoza, whom he said “played strong defense tonight.”

With the win and Tumwater’s victory over W.F. West, the Bobcats move into a three-way tie for first place with the Thunderbirds and Bearcats in the league standings.

Aberdeen plays at W.F. West at 7 p.m. on Tuesday.

Aberdeen 2 0 – 2

Centralia 1 0 – 1

Scoring

First half – 1, Aberdeen, Avila, 21st minute. 2, Aberdeen, E. Ceja, 29th minute. 3, Centralia, 29th minute.

Second half – none.

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Other games

Raymond-South Bend 5, Hoquiam 0