Baker boys soccer falls

Because of a lack of obvious commitment from the Bulldogs Washington chose to alter his starting lineup for Baker’s non-league home opener against Fruitland, Idaho, Saturday at the Baker Sports Complex.

Fruitland handed Baker a 7-2 loss in the match. A small step better for the Bulldogs that their 10-0 loss at Weiser, Idaho, Thursday.

“I should have started my starters, but I didn’t,” Washington said.

“They didn’t come to practice this week ready to play like I asked them to. I was getting more commitment from my younger players so I started them instead.”

Washington said he will have to see something change from his players before he makes any major changes.

“I’ll just have to keep holding them accountable,” he said. “I’m contemplating switching some things around. Right now I see more hustle out of my younger players.”

Despite the Bulldogs getting their first two goals of the season — both by freshman Noe Benites — Washington lamented Baker’s offense.

“Our offense killed us today,” he said. “Defensively, I thought we did a pretty good job.

“But if we could have run our offense appropriately we would have had a lot more shots on goals, and possibly more goals.”

And Baker offsides caused Wshington headcahes all afternoon. The Bulldogs were whistled for at least 40 offside infractions. The Baker coach said the game officials made a handfull of questionable offside calls, but the Bulldogs were guilty of many more.

“The kids want to blame the refs, but I question only about 10 of their calls. The kids were at fault on the other plays,” Washington said.

Shut out at Weiser

“Maybe it was first-game jitters,” Washington said of the Bulldogs 10-0 defeat to the Wolverines.

“We’ve had better practices. I don’t know.

“I told the kids we’re here to have fun, and we’ll have our ups and downs. It’s up to them to pay attention.”

Baker hosts Ontario Tuesday and La Grande Thursday at the Baker Sports Complex.