TONASKET – Luis Rivera scored twice in the opening 12 minutes to give the Tonasket boy soccer team and early lead, and the Tigers went on to defeat Cashmere 3-1 on Saturday, April 21.

The victory snapped a 16-game Caribou Trail League losing streak for the Tigers, dating to a 5-4 shootout victory over Omak in May, 2010.

“We played really well early,” said Tonasket coach Jack Goyette. “Then we kidn of fell back to our old ways, but managed to hang tough and get the win. It was a good game for us.”

Antonio Martinez scored for Cashmere in the 26th minute to cut the Tonasket lead in half, but Tyler Farley answered for the Tigers to give the team some breathing room.

Joel Cosino had assists on the first two goals and Michael Orozco added one on the final score.

“We’re getting better defensively and working hard at the possession game,” Goyette said. “Our passing and receiving still need work – losing too many balls as a result of poor trapping and passing.

“I really appreciate and am very proud of the team for their hard work and great attitude. They’re a great bunch of young men.”

The Tigers (5-6-1, 1-5 CTL) hit the road to play CTL-unbeaten Cascade on Saturday and face a return trip to Cashmere on Tuesday, May 1.

Chelan 3, Tonasket 0

TONASKET – Goyette said the Tigers played their best game of the season despite a 3-0 loss to the co-CTL leaders on Tuesday, April 17.

“We played well,” he said. “We kept it at 2-0 until late in the second half.

“Chelan is a well-coached and disciplined team. I really like the way they play.”

The Goats were unbeaten in league play at the time, but lost to fellow unbeaten Cascade 2-1 on Saturday to fall into second place.