Game Summary - Lincoln (9/3/09)

The CHS Warriors got there season off to a spiffy start this past Thursday with a comprehensive 2-0 win over 6A PIL rivals Lincoln Cardinals. The preseason match-up was made all that much more interesting because it was being played at PGE Park, home of the soon to be MLS Portland Timbers, and there was a shinny new trophy on the line. This game represented the first edition of the East/West Cup match, that is slated to be played annually between the two city high schools.

The Warriors came out of the gate with a slight hiccup, almost giving away an early goal after a miscue in the defensive third of the field, but were soon playing in rhythm, and bossing the game with relative ease.

Cleveland got on the score sheet in the 10th minute of play when Sophomore center middy Trevor Houghton took a smart goal of a half volley. It was assisted by Senior super striker Ben Striar, a recent transfer from LaSalle High School. After the goal, the Warriors relaxed and began to play with even more confidence, creating more scoring chances, and keeping the Cardinals on their heels for the rest of the first half. As the second half began, Lincoln took a more physical approach and things started to even out as both sides enjoyed less possession for the first 10 minutes of half number two. Eventually though, the warriors regained their composure and began to dictate the tempo once again. This paid of for the Warriors in the 65th minute of play when Senior striker Rrahman Hoxha took a pass from Striar, cut inside the 18-yard box, and finished deftly with his left foot. The Warriors stayed in control for the rest of the match, and got out of PGE Park with an impressive win, and possession of the East/West Cup trophy.

The following day, CHS headed out to OES for a 4 team jamboree tournament, consisting of three 20 minute matches. The Warriors were victorious in all three matches, beating Western Mennonite 5-0, OES 1-0, and Liberty HS 4-0.

The Warriors return to the pitch Thursday evening at 7:00 p.m. vs. West Linn HS at West Linn.