7-0 and 0-2 are the scores of the first two games of the season for the West Linn Lions girls soccer team. The Lions beat the McMinnville Grizzlies by a score of 7-0 to kick off the season  at home, and lost to the Mountainside Mavericks at Mountainside a few weeks ago. 

The team is coming off one of their best seasons ever, winning the three rivers league and advancing all the way to state semifinals last year. The team has their work cut out for them. 

“We have a big target on our back,” Lauren Pyrch, head coach, said. “It’s always a lot harder to repeat than win it the first time.” 

With 13 returning seniors, the team is ready to improve upon last year’s performance. They are now not only looking to win the Three Rivers League, but also to take state.

Having the ability to share the ball and work as a team is a key part of soccer. Thursday night’s game was a great example of the team’s chemistry and ability to share the ball.  

“They were also passing and volunteering the ball,” Pyrch said. “So that was a good way to start the season off.”

Team chemistry is definitely something the Lions don’t lack thanks to the 13 seniors on their team. For those 13 seniors this season is very important as it will be their last season together as Lions.

“These are the girls who we’ve all grown up playing soccer together and it’s our last year to just be together,” Rosie Larsen, senior, said. “I just want to make memories. And have fun.”

You can find a link to their upcoming games here.