UHS Soccer

Deadlock at the top: Pirates tie Vikings

The East Oregonian

BOARDMAN - The Riverside Pirates and Umatilla Vikings squared off for the Special District 5 lead Tuesday in boys' soccer action in Boardman.

With a 1-1 tie in Umatilla earlier in the season the only blemish on each team's schedule, both teams were looking to prove they were top dog.

But neither squad gave an inch and the result was a 2-2 tie. With three league games remaining, the Vikings (7-0-2, 7-0-2 SD5) and Pirates (8-0-2, 7-0-2 SD5)?appear likely to share the crown.

Riverside coach Carlos Velasco said the tempo of the game was nearly identical to the last meeting, with every ball tightly contested.

"I'm a little disappointed that we didn't come out with the win but other than that I am happy that everybody put forth their best effort," Velasco said.

Iovanni Barrera scored twice in the first 25 minutes for the Pirates, assisted by Erik Ruiz.

Umatilla put one in before the half and got the tying score in the 65th minute.

The next time the Vikings and Pirates could see each other on the pitch would be in the state championship Nov. 21 at Wilsonville High.

Velasco said he and his players would be just fine with that.