Trico League soccer battles expected all season

King's Way Christian rallies from two-goal deficit to draw with La Center in early-season clash

Apr. 1, 2026 at 2:05pm

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The Trico League boys soccer season is shaping up to be a competitive one, with several teams capable of beating each other on any given night. In a recent match between King's Way Christian and La Center, La Center jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first half, but King's Way stormed back in the second half to earn a 2-2 draw. The match was a microcosm of the league's competitiveness, with teams facing adversity and having to fight back to stay in the hunt.

Why it matters

The Trico League is known for its competitive boys soccer, with several teams capable of making a run at the state tournament. This early-season clash between King's Way Christian and La Center showcases the level of play in the league and the challenges teams will face throughout the season as they battle for playoff positioning.

The details

In the first half, La Center's sophomore forward Ian Johnson scored two quick goals to give the Wildcats a 2-0 lead. But King's Way Christian flipped the script in the second half, with goals from Spencer Mayhugh and Rylan Richter to earn the 2-2 draw. King's Way has had to overcome adversity early in the season after losing several key seniors from last year's team that reached the state semifinals.

  • In the 5th minute, Ian Johnson scored for La Center.
  • In the 33rd minute, Ian Johnson scored again for La Center.
  • In the 58th minute, Spencer Mayhugh scored for King's Way Christian.
  • In stoppage time, Rylan Richter scored the equalizer for King's Way Christian.

The players

Ian Johnson

A sophomore forward for La Center who scored two quick goals in the first half.

Spencer Mayhugh

A player for King's Way Christian who scored in the 58th minute to help his team rally.

Rylan Richter

A player for King's Way Christian who scored the equalizer in stoppage time.

Andy Thoma

The head coach of King's Way Christian, who is guiding his team through the challenges of replacing several key seniors from last season.

Dakota Dickerson

The goalkeeper for La Center, who had an outstanding game turning away chance after chance by King's Way Christian.

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What they’re saying

“It was just us being back against adversity. We had a rough game last week, so we're used to adversity. We had to come back against (Toledo-Winlock). So we knew nothing was impossible for us to come back. We just took shot after shot, chance after chance. We were dominating a lot this half. Just keep going at them, and one of them was going to go in. And then we got two.”

— Rylan Richter, Player, King's Way Christian

“It's been a bit of challenge. It was a little unique going into the season because there are some young guys with some big shoes to fill. But we're finding our way as we go. We're still trying out formations. But that's why I'm happy with the boys trying to find their rhythm, trying to find the groove with whatever we're doing.”

— Andy Thoma, Head Coach, King's Way Christian

“We've been starting off a lot of games not the strongest. We go down a couple of goals, then we have a good halftime talk. We come back, fight harder. We know what we can do. And we just put up shot after shot.”

— Spencer Mayhugh, Player, King's Way Christian

What’s next

King's Way Christian will face another tough test on Wednesday when they take on Fort Vancouver, another contender in the crowded Trico League standings.

The takeaway

The competitiveness of the Trico League boys soccer race is a blessing and a challenge for the teams involved. While it means they will face battles all season long, it also prepares them for the state tournament, where they will likely see many of these same opponents again.