McMinnville boys fall to Generals in opener

McMinnville boys soccer did not come out on the right foot in their season opener against Grant on Thursday evening.

The visiting Generals took initiative early in the match and held on for a 2-0 decision in Class 6A nonleague play at Wortman Stadium.

After commanding the ball through much of the first half, Grant made it pay off in the 29th minute with its first goal of the match. In the locker room, Jory Shene told his squad to "leave it all here," and the Grizzlies came out strong, matching a very physical Grant side bump for bump and tackle for tackle.

Clayton Maves' attempt at an equalizer ricocheted wide off the far post in the 42nd minute. The Generals tacked on an insurance goal in the 54th.

Shene wasn't overly concerned with the loss, though he is hopeful that communication can improve in the midfield and defense after tonight. 

"I told the guys, 'This game doesn't dictate what's going to happen this season,'" he said.