Lakeridge routs West Linn in playoffs

Lakeridge boys soccer advanced to the state quarterfinals for the sixth straight year after defeating West Linn 8-0 on Tuesday, Nov. 3, at Lakeridge High School. The second-round Class 6A contest ended with 9:36 remaining on the clock.

The victory improved Lakeridge's record to 12-1-1. The Pacers had previously won the Three Rivers League and secured their spot in the playoffs. West Linn, which finished tied for third in the league, saw its two-game winning streak end. The Lions finished their season with an 8-6-3 record.

Lakeridge junior forward Jackson Romero scored four goals in the win. Senior forward Callum Morrison added two goals, while senior Liam Kutella and sophomore Milan Masic each scored once. Senior midfielder Zavier Lara, who earned the Three Rivers League Player of the Year award this season, did not score but contributed to the team's offensive flow.

West Linn senior captain Jonas Taylor noted that only six players on his roster had varsity experience prior to this season. Senior captain Sam Leedy said the team lost many valuable seniors after the previous spring, which lowered the initial expectations for the 2026 campaign. Taylor stated that the new varsity players stepped up to prove their spots on the field.

The game remained scoreless for the first 17 minutes. West Linn goalkeeper J.D. Moore stopped several early attempts, including a header from Taylor in the third minute. Lakeridge senior goalkeeper Collin Cernitz handled shots from the Lions during the opening exchanges.

Morrison broke the tie with a 20-yard free kick in the top left corner with 22:36 left in the first half. Romero assisted Morrison for the second goal shortly after. Romero then scored his first goal by evading Moore and shooting into an open net. He added his second goal from near the top of the penalty box following a throw-in by senior Daylon Wood.

Lakeridge scored four more times in the second half. Romero scored twice within 10 seconds of each other. Kutella scored with an assist from Romero, and Masic scored the final goal in the 70th minute. The Pacers will host Lake Oswego in the 6A quarterfinals on Saturday, Nov. 7. Lake Oswego earned its berth by defeating 2025 state champion Beaverton 1-0 on Tuesday.

Morrison said the team expected a tougher match than they played two weeks prior. He noted that the outcome was a surprise and that Lakeridge took advantage of the situation. Lara emphasized the need for consistency throughout the tournament. Romero stated that the scoreline sends a message to the rest of the state.