TONASKET – The schedule only gets tougher from here, but early returns for the Tonasket boys soccer team have been nothing but positive.

The Tigers improved their non-conference record to 3-0-1 with a 4-1 victory over Bridgeport on Saturday, March 24, heading into their first Caribou Trail League clash with Cascade on Tuesday.

“We played better as a team, improving our passing and movement,” said Tonasket coach Jack Goyette. “The defense was our best yet, moving and covering quite well. (Goalkeeper) Laz Ortega was his normal solid self.”

Luis Rivera opened the scoring for the Tigers third minute. Michael Orozco and Matilde Pacheca added first half goals to put the Tigers up 3-0 at the half.

Bridgeport scored on a deflection off of a penalty kick early in the second half, but Georgian exchange student Levani Sabahktorashvik offset that with a goal of his own.

“I like the attitude and love of the game that the team played with,” Goyette said. “Also, the game was very well-officiated, with Richard Werner as the center (official).”

Tonasket 8, Oroville 1

TONASKET – Luis Rivera’s huge day led Tonasket to a decisive 8-1 victory over Oroville in the rivals’ first meeting of the season on Thursday, March 22.

Rivera tallied four goals and three assists as the Tigers built a 6-1 halftime lead.

To make matters worse for the Hornets, goalkeeper Levi Werner was injured in a collision in the first half.

“They’re kind of in reloading mode, so even though they only scored the one I still think we have some work to do on our defense,” Goyette said. “We have some good offensive talent; I don’t think scoring will be our issue.

“I feel badly that their goalkeeper got hurt like that. I don’t like it when things like that happen. I don’t think anybody out there was trying to hurt anyone.”

Matilde Pacheca added two goals and two assists, Michael Orozco scored a goal, Jesus Alverez added an assist, exchange student Marwin Baron tallied his first goal and Cristian Diaz added an assist.

Angel Camacho scored on a first half penalty kick for the Hornets.

“The boys are working hard,” Goyette said. “They got kind of beaten down last year and weren’t very confident.

“We’re working on being a classy team, too, and having officiating like we did today helps.”

Okanogan 7, Oroville 3

OKANOGAN – The Hornets put up three goals on last year’s state qualifiers, but couldn’t keep Okanogan out of the goal in a season-opening loss on Tuesday, March 20.

Tonasket 4, Liberty Bell 1

TONASKET – Matilde Pacheca scored twice, with Michael Orozco and Luis Rivera adding one goal apiece as the Tigers picked up their first victory of the season on Tuesday, March 20.

The Mountain Lions scored late in the game to break up the Tigers’ bid for a shutout.