Freshman Ray Brito Xilot scores two goals in Viking win

Sept. 8, 2021 — The Siuslaw Viking soccer team opened its home schedule with a thrilling 4-1 victory over the Creswell Bulldogs on Sept. 1. 

Initially Creswell controlled the game, getting off eight shots in the first half, including the first goal to put Siuslaw down 0-1. That lead was gone before halftime when senior Jason Garcia found sophomore Dylan Jensen with a nice pass and Jensen tied it 1-1.

Viking goalkeeper Derrick Vanduch, sophomore, kept things tight with three saves in the first half. Garcia and senior Dante Galli also got off shots in the first half for Siuslaw and by halftime the Vikings had momentum in their favor.

Early in the second half, the Vikings took the lead for good. Freshman Ray Brito Xilot was fouled as he approached the goal, which resulted in a penalty kick. 

“I was going to give the kick to our captain, Jason Garcia, but he said, ‘No. You’re going to take it,’” said Brito Xilot. “So I calmed myself down, took the shot, and it went in, which was awesome.”

Not long after his first goal, Brito Xilot scored another. Though he described that score as “lucky,” the pass he received from sophomore Braxton Hulet to get in position for the shot was all skill. 

Garcia capped off the scoring for Siuslaw to make the score 4-1. 

Coach Londi Tomaro said the win was a team effort.

“As coaches, we were very happy to see the team passing and communicating well and executing plays together,” she said. “Our players were moving into space, looking for and making passes, creating scoring chances, pressuring the opponents and cutting off passing lanes. Every single one of our players made important contributions on the field. We are looking forward to the rest of our season.”

Brito Xilot is the only freshman on the varsity team, making his large contribution to this first win all the more impressive.

“I trained so hard to make the team, and when I got the news I made it, as the only freshman, it felt amazing,” said Brito Xilot.

The Viking soccer team’s game at North Bend on Monday was cancelled. A non-league tilt versus Tillamook at home on Monday, Sept. 13, at 6:30p.m. was added this week and will be the next time Siuslaw is on the pitch.