A closer look at Camas boys soccer and its first loss

Camas’ 3-1 loss to Mountain View on Tuesday could do more than break up the Papermakers’ perfect season.

Camas opened this week ranked No. 1 in the state in Class 3A by the Seattle Times. The Papermakers also made their way onto other national and regional rankings.

Camas was ranked 42nd in the current ESPN High School Fab 50 rankings.

The National Soccer Coaches Association of the America had the Papermakers at No. 7 in its spring national poll, and No. 2 in its Region V poll.

However, it is worth noting that most states don’t play boys soccer in the spring. Other states play boys soccer in the fall or winter. The Region V top 10 is comprised of all Washington schools, except one Alaskan team that is tied for the No. 10 spot.

Even so, the Papermakers are pretty good and went into Tuesday’s match outscoring foes 32-5 on the season.

So then how does a team that has given up five goals all season give up three in one game against a team that was 2-3-1 in the 3A Greater St. Helens League, which included a 5-1 loss to Camas on March 19?

Well, injuries played a role. Camas, which has already lost defender Matt Palodichuk to a season-ending injury, played Tuesday without its top two goalkeepers, one because of illness and the other because of injury.

Still, kudos to the Thunder for taking advantage of the opportunity and getting a big win.