Cascade Strikes Twice Early, Rolls Past Thurston 8-1

Cascade High School struck twice in the opening six minutes and rolled to an 8-1 victory over Thurston on Thursday in Springfield. Liam Clausen scored both early goals, giving the Cougars control almost immediately and setting the course for a commanding road performance.

Enrique Alvarez drove the quick start with his work on the left wing, repeatedly creating chances for Clausen and the Cascade cougars attack. Clausen commanded the box and converted twice before Thurston could settle into the match. Alvarez finished with one goal and three assists as the Cougars consistently turned possession into dangerous opportunities.

Julian Cabrera delivered Cascade’s biggest individual performance, scoring four goals and adding an assist. His production helped the Cougars build on their fast opening and pull away from a Thurston side they had edged 2-1 last season. Cascade’s eight-goal output made this meeting far less uncertain.

Goalkeeper Tanen Swing supplied a key defensive moment with a first-half penalty save. Swing’s stop preserved Cascade’s momentum during a potential opening for the Colts, and the Cougars continued pressing at the other end. Although Thurston scored once, Cascade’s defense and goalkeeping prevented the hosts from generating enough of a response to slow the attack.

The Cougars have now scored 18 goals through their first three games while conceding only one. That total is already one shy of the 19 goals Cascade scored throughout last season, when the team finished 4-7-3. Cascade will next host Estacada on Thursday, Sept. 17.