LA GRANDE — Late game heroics from Lamar Langidrik propelled La Grande to a narrow 1-0 victory on Tuesday, Sept. 14, over Pendleton at Community Stadium in La Grande.

La Grande completely controlled the tempo throughout the entirety of the game, but Pendleton looked dead set on holding its ground. The Tigers out shot the Buckaroos 25-5, but the game remained neck and neck until the final minutes.

Early on, La Grande set the tone with four shots on goal and 12 total shots in the first half. Junior Owen Rinker suffered a leg injury that looked like it might remove the star defender from the game, but he returned late in the first half. Rinker was key in defense for La Grande as Pendleton made a push in the second half.

In the second half, both teams stepped on the gas and took more chances. The Buckaroos tallied four shots, while the Tigers tallied eight shots on goal and 13 total shots. With just under 20 minutes remaining in regulation, Renee Ortega Cruz rattled a shot off the crossbar that appeared to cross the line but was not ruled a goal.

Following the near goal, sparks began to fly as both teams took shots back and forth. With less than five minutes remaining in the game, Langidrik scored a header in the box to put La Grande up 1-0. The Tigers were able to pass the ball effectively and hold off a late shot attempt to secure the victory.

Scott Train was an anchor in goal for Pendleton, tallying 15 saves. La Grande rallied 11 total corner kicks, keeping constant pressure on the Buckaroos.

The victory improves La Grande’s record to 1-1 on the season, while Pendleton drops to 0-1. The Tigers will play at Fruitland High School on Sept. 18 and the Buckaroos faced Putnam at home on Sept. 15.

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