On Tuesday, the Guardians men’s soccer team played the Forest Grove Vikings at home, with a confident 4-1 win. The Guardians now have a record of 5 wins and 3 losses, placing the team at #7 in the 6A division, the highest of the PIL. Despite a relatively strong offensive game from the Vikings, the Guardians’ defense slowed them down before they were able to find many goal-scoring opportunities. On the offensive side, Jaden Igarta, senior, was truly dominant, with his second hat trick in three games. 

Igarta scored in the first minute directly off of the kickoff, immediately sending a message to the Vikings that the Guardians were not going to let them off easy. The Vikings had intended to respond with a counterattack, but a few key headers and clears from Ian Vanderperren, junior, and a tackle from George Bilanzich, junior, stopped them in their tracks multiple times. 

A goal from Forest Grove didn’t slow the Guardians down at all in the second half. In the 53rd minute, Igarta scored, again beating the Vikings’ defense confidently. In the 63rd minute, a good look from Lucas Legare, junior, with a header sent it into the net off of a corner kick.

Forest Grove’s offense was more focused on fanciful footwork than true ball control, with their fans in the crowd cheering for every little footwork trick by their offense despite losing the ball a few seconds later. With a final goal by Igarta in the 63rd minute, the game had essentially been decided. The Guardians ultimately won at full-time, 4-1.

This win comes after a recent 6-0 win against Lake Oswego, another definitive win. Igarta scored a hat trick in that game as well. A strong midfield was able to get the ball upfield all game, without letting the LO Lakers get many shots on goal. The Guardians have a strong chance at reaching the playoffs, and possibly going even further. The league matches phase of the season starts on 9/29, where they only play other PIL teams. The Guardians are currently the reigning champions of the PIL.

Their schedule can be found on the OSAA website, or on their Instagram page at @ibwhs_menssoccer.