McCarthy and Dillon sign with NAIA Schools
All four sophomores will play at next level in 2010
April 20, 2009
Oregon City, OR - Sophomores Tarra McCarthy and Kaila Dillon have signed letters of intent to play collegiate soccer at NAIA schools next season.
McCarthy, a two-time all-region defender, will play for NAIA powerhouse Lindenwood University in St. Charles Missouri. McCarthy will be reunited with 2006 & 2007 Cougar forward and two-time all-star McKenzie Creamer.
"I am very excited to continue playing at the next level," said McCarthy. Not only are the coaches, players, and program very successful, but the education aspect is very high as well, I look forward to continuing to grow as a student and athlete."
Dillon, a transfer from Eastern Oregon University, will play defense for the Oregon Institute of Technology (OIT) Owls next season. The Owls finished the 2008 campaign with a third place finish in the Cascade Collegiate Conference. Dillon will play along side 2007 Cougar forward Kelly Lewis and Patti Degerness who was also signed by OIT earlier this year.
Said Dillon of OIT, "I have heard nothing but great things about Oregon Tech. I am excited about the team and being able to be apart of their successful program in the fall."
Both players were grateful for their time with Coach Tracy Nelson and the Clackamas program.
"I definitely appreciated being apart of a successful program and how helpful everyone was, both academically and athletically. The Clackamas athletics and academic staff are so knowledgeable about how to succeed and get to the next level and that's really great," commented Dillon.
McCarthy had this to add, "Working with Tracy Nelson has prepared me for the next level because she is always helping her players to improve, not only on the field, but off as well. I am very fortunate to have been able to have her as a coach and will miss her very much."
Both players were cornerstones on a Cougar defense that recorded 12 shutouts, third best in school history.
Another sophomore, Region MVP Rachelle Kliewer, signed with Western Oregon University earlier this season.
Degerness and Kliewer sign with 4-yr schools
March 03, 2009
Oregon City, OR - Sophomore midfielder
Patti Degerness and sophomore forward Rachelle Kliewer have inked letters of intent with Oregon Institute of Tech (OIT) and Western Oregon University.
Degerness played two seasons at Clackamas and was instrumental in the Cougars NWAACC Championship last season. In total, she tallied 17 goals and 11 assists as a two year starter.
When asked about her time with Clackamas, Degerness responded, "My greatest appreciation is how well the school takes care of its student-athletes... Playing at CCC has prepared me for both athletics and academics at the next level."
Degerness will be re-united with former Cougar Kelly Lewis who was a all-conference selection at OIT this past season.
"What really excites my about signing with OIT is the soccer, added Degerness. "I think I will contribute a lot to the program and OIT has a great medical imaging program, which was one of the biggest reason for going."
Kliewer came to Clackamas from Warner Pacific were she played as a freshman. Although she missed several late season games with injury, Kliewer had a huge impact on the CCC program, scoring 18 goals and 7 assists en route to her selection as Southern Region Most Valuable Player.
On her signing with Western Oregon Kliewer said, "I'm excited to be going to Western because i think it will be a great fit for me. I know the girls and already love them. I am really ready to be at one school for the rest of my schooling. I'm excited for playing at a higher level with new challenges."
When asked about her time at Clackamas Kliewer said, "I loved the girls at CCC. I learned a lot from this year and I'm glad i came to [Clackamas] to figure out where i want to go in my life."
Cougar Alum earns All-American honors
Goalie Georgie Christensen selected to NAIA H/M team
December 29, 2008
Concordia University junior keeper Georgie Christensen was named to the National Athletic Intercollegiate Association (NAIA) All-American team as an honorable mention selection as announce by the NAIA December 6th.
Christensen's Concordia University (Ore.) team was the NAIA national runner-up in a 3-0 loss to Lee University (Tenn.) on December 6th. Christensen also garnered an NAIA National Championship All-Tournament selection [view].
Christensen played for the Cougars on the 2006 & 2007 teams. She was an all-region selection both seasons and the 2007 NWAACC Tournament MVP the year the Cougars won their third Northwest title.
Post Season Honors - Kliewer named MVP
Several Cougars were named to the 2008 South-East Region All-Star Team by the NWAACC.
Sophomores Rachelle Kliewer (forward), Patti Degerness (midfield) and Tarra McCarthy (defender) were named to the First Team. Freshman Dani Lichty was named to the Second Team.
Kliewer, who finished the season with 18 goals and seven assists, was selected as the South Region MVP.
Coach Tracy Nelson was named South Region Coach of the Year, her fourth such honor.
Cougars take fourth place in 22-team NWAACC
Southern Region Champs severely hampered by injuries to key players during playoffs
November 23, 2008
Third-ranked Clackamas took to the field on November 22nd & 23rd at Starfire Sports Complex against some tough competition in second-ranked Columbia Basin and fourth-ranked Shoreline.
But the injury depleted Cougars, without several key starters, couldn't hold either team in losses to the eventual Champion Hawks 0-4 and third place Shoreline 1-4.
South-East All-Star Patti Degerness and Southern Region MVP Rachelle Kliewer hooked up on a spectacular goal in the 57th minute during the Shoreline contest.
With twelve freshman on the squad, the Cougars look to return a seasoned squad of veterans next season, including all-star midfielder Dani Lichty.
Lichty lifts Cougars over Whatcom in OT thriller
Cougars advance to
November 22 Semifinals
November 15, 2008
Oregon City, OR - The fourth-ranked Cougars had their backs to the wall after falling behind 2-1 to the seventh-ranked Whatcom Orcas in the 63rd minute.
Rachelle Kliewer got the Cougars on the board just before the half with a far post shot on a Patti Degerness cross. Whatcom countered in the 55th minute to knot the match one apiece and then took control with a second goal in the 63rd.
With the Orcas in control and holding firm on defense, Clackamas struggled to put together a match tying goal.
Matters turned worse for Clackamas when all-star defender Tarra McCarthy was issued a red card in the 84th minute, leaving the Cougars a man short for the duration of the last six minutes of regulation play against a quality North Region squad that only lost four matches all season.
With less than three minutes remaining, Marissa Santana played a ball behind the Orca defense that drew the Whatcom goalie out from goal, forward Dani Lichty collected the ball, dribbled by the keeper and buried a fifteen-yard shot to knot the game in the 88th minute.
Lichty then sealed the match near the end of the first overtime with a solo shot that sailed just under the crossbar to propel the Cougars into a semifinal match with the East Region Columbia Basin Hawks.
The match will take place at Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila, WA at 1:30pm on November 22.
The injury depleted Cougars will be without McCarthy, who will serve a one game suspension for the red card received. Clackamas and Columbia Basin met previously this season with the Hawks winning both matches, 3-0 and 3-1.
2008 Southern Region Champions!
Cougars capture Region crown with win over Lakers
November 7, 2008
Clackamas secured their fourth Southern Region Championship with a goal by Rachelle Kliewer in the 20th minute in a 1-0 shutout of Southwestern Oregon Friday afternoon.
Heather Hatfield notched her eighth shutout in goal and the Clackamas defense its eleventh on the season. Hatfield is now tied for third in NWAACC shutout leaders.
The goal was Kliewer's seventeenth of the year which ties her for fourth place in NWAACC scoring leaders [stats].
The win gives the Cougars a bye in the first round of the playoffs. They will open the playoffs in the quarterfinals at Oregon City's Pioneer Stadium [map] on November 15th at 1pm. They will take on the winner of North#2 vs. East#3 match that occurs on November 12th. Whatcom (14-4-1) has secured the North #2 seed and, although not yet determined, Treasure Valley (12-6-0) will likely be the East's #3 seed.
The Cougars have not faced Whatcom this season, but do have a pairs of wins over Treasure Valley.
The Cougars play their final regular season contest at Clark College in Vancouver tomorrow - Saturday, November 8th at 12pm.
[note: The CCC Athletics webmaster will be on vacation from Nov 8 - Nov 14th. The NWAACC website will have complete playoff coverage here.]
Penguins top ailing Cougars 2-0
October 28, 2008
Oregon City, OR - A very hot Clark College squad, straight off a 3-0 defeat of sixth-ranked Lane and a three game win streak, cooled the Cougars heels Tuesday with goals in the 41st and 77th minutes.
With several key players injured including the NWAACC's fourth best scorer in Rachelle Kliewer (16 goals 6 assists), the Cougars struggled to finish on shots to the goal.
Clackamas remains on top of the South with 35pts while Clark, with 23pts, continues to gain ground on Lane (27pts) for the South's playoff second seed [standings].
The Cougars will take to the road for their final two regular season games. On November 7th they take on SW Oregon in Coos Bay, OR at 1pm, then travel across town to play Clark the following day, Oct 8th in Vancouver at 12pm [schedule].
All-star defender and team co-captain Tarra McCarthy received a red card during the Clark match and will serve a one game suspension during the SW Oregon match.
A win in either match for Clackamas will secure the Southern Region Crown and the South's top seed for the playoffs [playoff bracket].
Cougars one win from securing fourth Southern Region Crown with defeat of SW Oregon
October 24, 2008
Oregon City, OR - Allison Riggs and Dani Lichty provided all the fire power required in the second minute of play when Riggs played a ball through the Laker defense and Lichty nailed the pass far post to give the Cougars a 1-0 lead.
The Lakers defense then tightened up and held Clackamas scoreless until the 47th minute when Patti Degerness was awarded a penalty kick and drove the ball to the back of the net for a 2-0 lead.
Clackamas scoring leader Rachelle Kliewer buried a dazzler off a lob pass over the defense by Kristen Krieger to end the scoring in the 82nd minute and give the Cougars a 3-0 win.
Heather Hatfield and the defense was only challenged on goal three times by the SW Oregon offense. The shutout was Hatfield's seventh shutout and tenth overall for the team.
Clackamas leads second place Lane by eight points with three games remaining for each club. Clark sits in third place with 20pts and five games remaining, two with Clackamas and one with Lane [standings].
The fourth-ranked Cougars host Clark on Tuesday, October 28th at Oregon City High School Stadium [map]. Game time is slated for 1pm.
Defense holds for win over Chemeketa
October 21, 2008
Oregon City, OR - Patti Degerness and Tarra McCarthy connected early to put the Cougars on the scoreboard in the fourth minute - the only goal needed in a 1-0 Clackamas shutout of Chemeketa.
The goal was Degerness' seventh on the season and the assist was defender McCarthy's first.
Heather Hatfield collected a well earned sixth shutout of the season on eight second half saves as the Storm kept the Cougars on the defensive end for most of the second period.
The win gives Clackamas (32pts) a five point lead over Lane (27pts) for top spot in the South Region standings with four games remaining on the schedule [standings].
Clackamas have now secured a spot in the playoffs, its seventh straight appearance since the Cougars inaugural soccer season in 2002.
The Cougars (10-4-2, 10-5-3) will host Clark (5-7-2, 5-7-2) in the first match-up of the two teams this season on Friday, October 24th at Oregon City High School's Pioneer Stadium [map].
Cougar alumni shine at next level
October 14, 2008
Former two-time all-star midfield-forward McKenzie Creamer (2006-07) has just been named the Heart of America Conference (NAIA) Women's Soccer Offensive Player of the Week [web link].
Creamer, the Cougars' all-time assists leader, is the leading scorer with seven goals and six assist for the 22nd-ranked Lindenwood University Lions (8-0-1) of St. Charles, Missouri.
Former two-time all-star keeper Georgie Christensen (2006-07) is also having a fantastic year in goal for the NAIA's 5th-ranked Concordia University Cavaliers (12-0-1). Christensen has started in twelve of the thirteen games for the Cavaliers and has a 0.40 goals against average.
All-star forward Kelly Lewis (2007) has started in seven games for the Oregon Tech Owls (3-7-2) of the NAIA and leads the teams in goals with three. Former midfielder Alle Petty (2006-07) also suits up for the Owls and has played in four matches.
The University of Idaho (NCAA Div I) features a pair of former Cougars in Amanda Triller (2004-05) and Christie Richards (2006-07). Triller, a two-time all-star for Clackamas, plays midfield for the Vandals and Richards has had some playing time in the defense.
Former Cougar all-stars Stephanie Catt (2006) and Emily Ingalls (2004-05) are playing for the Western Oregon University Wolves (NCAA Div II). Catt has started in midfield for all thirteen of the Wolves (5-7-1) games and Ingalls has had playing time as a midfield-defender in eight matches.
4th-ranked Cougars add six points out East
Oct 13, 2008
The Cougars took a pair of wins at Yakima Valley and Wenatchee Valley and added six points to their lead over Lane in the Southern Region Standings.
Clackamas ripped Yakima Valley on Friday as Rachelle Kliewer collected her second hat trick as a Cougar and Patti Degerness added another pair of goals and an assist in a 5-2 Cougar win.
Kliewer scored her 14th goal of the season in the 58th minute Saturday in a 1-0 win over Wenatchee Valley.
Clackamas now holds an eight point lead over Lane with league games against Chemeketa (1), SW Oregon (2) and Clark (2) remaining. Lane has six left on their schedule, all home and away against Chemeketa, SW Oregon and Clark [schedule].
The Cougars take on Chemeketa on Tuesday October 21st at Oregon City High School's Pioneer Stadium [map]. A win or tie will guarantee the Cougars its seventh straight playoff appearance [standings].
Cougars hold South lead with split at home
October 03, 2008
Oregon City - With rival Lane CC slowly creeping up on Clackamas in the South standings, the Cougars were looking for a pair of wins to pad their lead over the Titans.
Thursday, Clackamas faced second-ranked Columbia Basin (8-1-1) of the East Region. For 90 minutes the Cougars played a great match, but the Hawks came out on top with a 3-1 win.
Andrea Harmon provided the only Cougar score when she tapped in a far post cross by Richelle Kliewer to knot the game 1-1 in the 10th minute.
In Friday's action, Clackamas edged Spokane 1-0 under wet conditions at Pioneer Stadium. Amber Ballou scored the lone goal off an assist by Dani Lichty in the third minute of play.
The Cougars out-shot the Sasquatch 9-4 and keeper Heather Hatfield turned in a good performance to earn her 4th shutout of the season.
The fourth-ranked Cougars (7-4-1) host seventh-ranked Lane (4-2-4) in a pivotal Southern Region match up on Tuesday, Oct 04 at Oregon City High School Stadium [map]. The Cougars and Titans last played to a 1-1 draw in Eugene on September 9th [view standings].
Fourth-ranked Cougars go 2-1 on road trip
September 29, 2008
Clackamas embarked on a five day road trip last Tuesday that saw the team defeat Chemeketa and fifth-ranked Treasure Valley, but lose to top-ranked Walla Walla.
The Cougars (6-3-1, 6-4-2) opened the road trip with a 3-0 shutout over first-year Southern Region opponent Chemeketa Storm (2-7-1, 2-7-1). Rachelle Kliewer, Allison Riggs and Leanne Lent each picked up first half goals and the Cougar defense held the rest of the way for the win. Patti Degerness earned her second assist of the season on Kliewer's goal while Heather Hatfield earned her third shutout and the fifth overall for the Cougars this season.
Clackamas looked to avenge a Sept 5th 0-3 home loss to the top-ranked Warriors in Walla Walla Friday. The end result was the same, but the freshman laden Cougars made significant improvements in team play over the previous match-up.
The Cougars wrapped up the trip Saturday with a convincing 3-1 rematch win over fifth-ranked Treasure Valley in Ontario, OR. The Chukars opened the scoring in the 34th minute, but Kliewer nailed a pair of goals off assists by Degerness and Dani Lichty in the 38th and 43rd minutes to take a 2-1 half time lead.
Lichty put the game away for good in the 79th minute off a beautiful goal assisted by Kliewer to give the Cougars their sixth win and second over Treasure Valley.
Kliewer's three goals this past week now puts her third in the NWAACC for goals with 11 total - two behind league leader Tahlia O'Loughlin of Walla Walla. [league stats]
With 19 points, The Cougars still hold a four point lead over second place Lane in the South Region. Clark, with 13 points, is third [standings].
The Cougars will face second-ranked Columbia Basin (7-1-1, 7-1-1) at home on Thursday October 2nd at 1pm before taking on Spokane (2-5-1, 3-6-1) on Saturday at 1pm. Both games will be played at Oregon City High School's Pioneer Stadium [map].
Degerness leads Cougars over Yakima
September 19, 2008
Oregon City, OR - For the second game in two days, the Cougars completely dominated their East Region opponent.
Patti Degerness got Clackamas on the board in the 17th minute when Rachelle Kliewer split the Yakima defense on an upfield pass that Degerness buried far post for the lead.
Amber Ballou fed Allison Riggs a pass three minutes later that earned Riggs her second goal of the season and gave the Cougars a two goal cushion.
Kliewer and Degerness hooked up again for another goal in the 37th minute on another break away run for Degerness who stuffed the ball left side for a 3-0 half time lead. The goal marked the fourth of the season for Degerness.
Yakima managed to hold the Cougar offense in the second half until Kliewer, on the receiving end of a 35 yard upfield pass from Leanne Lent, slid the ball past the Yak keeper for the game's final goal in the 88th minute.
The Cougar defense earned it's NWAACC leading fourth shutout of the season. Heather Hatfield, playing for injured Chelsea Gray, picked up her second shutout in as many games.
The win gives the Cougars a five point margin over second place Lane in the Southern Region standings. Lane earned three points today with a 2-1 win over Wenatchee Valley to take second place in the South while Chemeketa lost to Walla Walla 4-1 to drop to third place.
The Cougars will be hitting the road for a tough three game stint against Chemeketa (Sep 23) and a pair of ranked opponents in Walla Walla (Sep 26) and Treasure Valley (Sep 27).
Kliewer & Dillon notch hatricks in 6-0 win
September 18, 2008
Oregon City, OR - Clackamas got on the board early when defender Kaila Dillon flicked a ball over the Wenatchee Valley defense to Patti Degerness who ran on it and launched a shot past the keeper in the 11th minute.
Dillon tallied the second of her three assists a few minutes later when she set up a Rachelle Kliewer goal that put the Cougars up 2-0.
Degerness recorded her second goal when she fired another ball past the Knight keeper in the 25th minute off a cross by Kliewer to up the lead 3-0.
Kliewer again scored in the 27th minute off a far side pass by Dani Lichty that Kliewer ran on to, cut back on the Knight defender and drilled into the near post to give Clackamas a 4-0 half time lead.
Dillon recorded her assist hatrick in the 58th minute when she set up Allison Riggs' first goal of the season. Riggs, 15 yards out, ripped a shot past the keeper's outstretched hands to make it 5-0 Cougars.
With just under a minute to go, an Amber Ballou throw in on the Wenatchee end was picked up by Kliewer who circled around a pair of Knight defenders and launched a left-footed shot from 25 yards out that sailed far post.
Kliewer's final score was her first hatrick as a Cougar and sealed Clackamas' third victory of the season.
The win keeps second-ranked Clackamas (3-2-1, 3-3-2) atop of the Southern Region standings with 10 points. Second place Chemeketa (2-2-1, 2-2-1) trails the Cougars by three points going into their region match with top-ranked Walla Walla Friday. [NWAACC standings]
The Cougars will host Yakima Valley Friday at the Oregon City High School Stadium [map]. Match time is set for 1pm.
Cougars go 1-1-1 over the week
September 15, 2008
Oregon City, OR - Defending league champions Clackamas are now 2-3-2 on the season after a road trip that included a 1-1 tie at fourth-ranked Lane, a 2-0 win at Spokane and a 0-3 loss at fifth-ranked Columbia Basin.
Dani Lichty picked up her first two goals of the season and Rachel Kleiwer notched her fourth on the road trip.
Lichty picked up her first goal in the 54th minute against Lane and added her second at the 72nd minute mark of the Spokane win. Kliewer's goal, on an Allison Riggs assist in the 82nd minute at Spokane ensured a Cougar win. A strong performance by the defense earned Chelsea Gray her second shutout of the season.
The second-ranked Cougars have certainly encountered a tough start on the '08 season with matches against many of the premier squads in the Northwest so far.
The East-South region alignment (region alignments rotate every year) is never easy to navigate. The league champion and runner-ups over the last three years have come from the two regions.
Clackamas, with seven points, is currently tied with Chemeketa in the South standings.
The Cougars will host East Region rivals Wenatchee Valley (1-1-1) on Thursday, September 18th at 1pm and Yakima Valley (1-1-1) the following day at 1pm. Both matches will be held at Oregon City High School Stadium [map].
Warriors hand Cougars first home defeat
September 05, 2008
Oregon City, OR - The Cougars (1-2-1) played sluggish in the first half and the Warriors (4-0-0) took advantage scoring three in the 8th, 11th and 36th minute to quickly put Clackamas in a 3-0 deficit.
The Cougars regrouped at the half and played much stronger in the second period - holding the Warrior offense, but couldn't find the back of the net in a 3-0 loss.
Chelsea Gray made twelve saves including a hard shot from a penalty kick that ricocheted off Gray's hands, but was tapped back in for Walla Walla's final goal in the first period.
Clackamas will begin a three game road trip against Lane, Spokane and Columbia Basin before returning home for a contest with Wenatchee Valley on September 19th. The Lane match will take place in Eugene on September 9th at 2pm.
Clackamas handles Treasure Valley 2-0
Cougars get league play off to good start
Sept 04, 2008
Oregon City, OR - Sophomore transfers Rachelle Kliewer and Kaila Dillon got the Cougars on the board early with a goal in the 5th minute. Dillon slotted a ball through the Chukar defense to Kliewer who nailed a left footed shot in the right side goal to give Clackamas a 1-0 lead.
Treasure Valley nearly tied the game in the opening moments of the second half when Chelsea Gray saved a Chukar shot which pulled her out of position for a second save on the rebound. Defender Bianca Brambila made a superb tie saving stop on a sure goal to stop the Treasure Valley attack.
The Cougars put the game away in the 65th minute when Kristen Krieger launched a long ball over the defense to Kliewer who ran on to it for a one on one chance on the Treasure Valley keeper. Kliewer touched another left footer near post to give Clackamas the 2-0 win.
Gray and the Cougar defense earned their first shutout of the season with 8 saves on the day.
Clackamas (1-1-1) will host league rival Walla Walla Warriors (3-0) at noon on Friday, September 5th at Oregon City High School Stadium [map]. The two squads last faced off in the 2007 NWAACC Championship match and previous to that in the 2005 championships, both won by the Cougars.
Cougars open with a loss and tie at North Idaho
Sept 02, 2008
The young Cougars opened the season with a tough 4-0 loss to the 2007 NJCAA Region 18 Champion North Idaho College Cardinals this past weekend.
The match was a good test for Clackamas who only return two players from the 2007 Championship team of a year ago against a quality squad laden with sophomores.
The Cougars found the back of the net In the second game against University of British Columbia - Okanagan when Rachelle Kliewer scored in the 37th minute on an assist by Marissa Santana.
The Cougar defense held tight until UBC-O managed to knot the match one all in the 61st minute.
Clackamas opens league play on Thursday Sept 04 at 1pm against the Treasure Valley Chukars at Oregon City High School Stadium [map]. On Friday, they host the 2007 NWAACC runner-up Walla Walla Warriors for a noon game the Oregon City HS stadium.
>> 2007-08 season news
