BEAR RIVER HIGH - By Jessica Tanner and Kaya Towne - September 21, 2021
The Bear River High girls’ soccer team has faced tough competition in Region 11 over the years. Although there have been many close games, getting that win have been just out of their reach.
That is until their match up against Sky View High on September 9, 2021.
After nearly four years without a single win in region play, the Lady Bears put an end to that streak and defeated the Bobcats 1-0. Senior Kylie Nelson was the lone player to find the back of the net for Bear River that day – and it was enough to win.
The Bears hoped to continue that momentum on September 14, at Mountain Crest High but the Mustangs defeated the Bears 5-0. Although it was not how Bear River wanted the game to go, there were plenty of big saves by their goalkeeper Lyza Pebley.
On September 16, the Bear River High girls’ soccer team broke in the new turf at Bear Field as they hosted Logan High and making them the first team at Bear River High to play an official game on the school’s newly turfed field.
Bear River had faced the Grizzlies a week prior and lost in a tough battle 5-2.
In the first half the Bears took a 1-0 led as Senior Naomi Tomlinson struck first. Logan High tied it up just before halftime and then showed no mercy in the second half, scoring four more goals. Sophomore Chloe Woodward netted one more for the Bears that night.
During their debut on the turf, the Lady Bears came ready and looked as if they had always played on turf. Their defense shutdown Logan’s offense and anything that managed to sneak by was quickly picked up by goalie Pebley. On the offensive side the Bears made smart plays and passes as they worked their way down the field. Although there were opportunities, neither team was able to score in regulation.
In overtime it was the same story. With no score in the first 10 minutes, the game went into double overtime where both teams stood strong. Then came the shootout, which again proved to be a battle.
Bear River and Logan both selected five shooters to face the goalie one-on-one in the shootout. Kickers Kelly Winward, Tomlinson and Rylee Towne each made their shot. Logan also made three goals and they were tied 3-3.
The teams then selected new shooters and headed into a double shootout. While Savanna Pehrson had a strong kick, Logan’s goalie made the save. The Grizzly kicker was up next and made the game winning goal 4-3.
In frustration, Pebley walked off the field while her teammates rallied around her in a job well-done.
Re-watch the Bear River High vs. Logan High girls' soccer game from September 16, courtesy of Bear River Live, on the link below.
The Bear River High girls’ soccer team will travel to Green Canyon High on September 21, to take on the Wolves at 7 p.m.