Moses Lake rallies to beat G-Prep 2-1

MOSES LAKE — The technical proficiency wasn’t quite there yet for Moses Lake, but the grit and determination was.

On a rain-soaked night at Lions Field, Moses Lake rallied to beat Gonzaga Prep 2-1 and first-year head coach Rian Allred started his career in the win column.

“No. 1 thing is the high level of intensity and the hard work that they gave combined with what we’ve been trying to do,” he said. “We’re implementing a new style of play — more possession based, quick passes, always with the purpose of attacking — and they have a long ways to go but we’ve only been together for about two weeks and so it’s been really exciting to see the players’ willingness to implement what we’ve been trying to accomplish.”

The Bullpups pulled ahead in the 11th minute, scoring on a rebound. The initial save was made by goalie Eddie Reyes, however, the ball ricocheted back to the eager foot of a Gonzaga Prep player who powered the ball off the right post and into the back of the net.

The Chiefs had a few chances to even the score throughout the first half and finally found pay-dirt in the 32nd minute when Tanner Hasse drilled a 16-yard free kick off the left post and past Gonzaga Prep’s goalie.

The play was set up after Saul Maciel was fouled jumping for a header.

“We’ve been working on those in practice and Tanner had been hitting some beautiful balls from free kicks,” Allred said. “We have a lot of guys that can hit balls really nicely, but just felt that from that distance and that exact location that would be great for him and, man, he hit a rocket that dipped and the keeper had no chance. It was really cool to see. That turned the momentum of the game right there.”

Moses Lake took the lead for good early in the second half when Tyrell Garza got a foot on the ball in the middle of a skirmish in front of G-Prep’s net.

From that point, the Chiefs controlled possession and a brand new back line held the Bullpups scoreless for the final 40 minutes.

“They showed really well together so it was exciting to see them,” Allred said. “A lot of things that they can do and improve, but it was really, really exciting to see that.”

Saturday, Moses Lake couldn’t contain Andrew Fruci and lost to Ferris 3-1.

Fruci recorded a hat trick for the Saxons. Tyler Mullan scored Moses Lake’s goal.

The Chiefs continue their trek through the Greater Spokane League, hosting Lewis and Clark Tuesday at 7 p.m.

Ephrata 3, Clarkston 0

EPHRATA — Ephrata opened its season with a shutout victory against Clarkston 3-0.

Armando Farias, Josh Benthem and Harley Klein scored for the Tigers.

Head coach Ivan Garay said his team did a good job of possessing the ball against the Bantams.

“Touching the ball, making quick touches and quick decisions,” he said.