Lakeridge routs West Linn 8-0 to reach state quarterfinals

The Lakeridge High School boys soccer team advanced to the Class 6A state quarterfinals after defeating West Linn 8-0 on Tuesday, Nov. 3, at Lakeridge High School. This victory marks the sixth consecutive year the Pacers have reached this stage of the state tournament. The team, ranked No. 4, improved its overall record to 12-1-1 following the win.

Lakeridge senior forward Callum Morrison opened the scoring with a 20-yard free kick that sailed over the defense and into the top left corner of the goal. The shot was struck with 22:36 remaining in the first half. Morrison added a second goal shortly after, finishing a pass from junior forward Jackson Romero to make the score 2-0.

Romero, who finished the match with four goals, controlled the next two scoring plays. He received a long pass on the left side and evaded West Linn goalkeeper J.D. Moore to score into an empty net. He later collected the ball near the penalty box following a throw-in and shot it into the left corner. Lakeridge added four more goals in the second half, including two more by Romero separated by just 10 seconds.

West Linn senior defender and team captain Jonas Taylor noted that the team had only six players with prior varsity experience. He stated that the new players were told to step up and that they did so throughout the season. Despite the heavy loss, Taylor said the team left the field proud of their performance in the 2026 season.

Lakeridge midfielder Zavier Lara, named the Three Rivers League Player of the Year, emphasized the need for consistency in the upcoming rounds. He said the team cannot rely on a strong first-round performance alone. Senior goalkeeper Collin Cernitz made several early saves, including a header by Taylor in the third minute, before the scoring began.

The game ended early with 9:36 left on the clock due to the size of the lead. The next opponent for the Pacers is crosstown rival Lake Oswego, ranked No. 5. The Lakers earned their quarterfinal berth by defeating 2025 state champion Beaverton 1-0 on the same day. The quarterfinal match is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 7.

West Linn finished the season with an 8-6-3 record after tying for third in the Three Rivers League. The loss snapped a two-game winning streak for the Lions. Senior midfielder and team captain Sam Leedy said the team was not expecting to be as competitive as the previous year after losing many seniors, but the team fought to reach the second round.