Not even a COVID-shortened spring soccer season could keep Wilsonville's Lindsey Antonson from breaking the state's all-time scoring record.
The senior scored three goals Saturday in the Wildcats' 6-0 win over Putnam in the quarterfinals of the 5A playoffs, giving her 46 for the season and 134 for her career.
She moved past the previous record of 133, set by Jesuit's Callan Harrington (2016-19). She entered the match tied for second at 131 with Tiffeny Millbrett (Hillsboro, 1987-90) and Sara Bagby (Catlin Gabel/Jesuit, 1991-94).
“To be honest, with COVID shortening my junior season, I really didn't think it could happen,” Antonson said. “Even after I scored my 100th goal, I honestly didn't even really think it was in the picture. It came really fast, and unexpectedly. I was trying not to think about it too much.”
Antonson fell behind the pace in the spring when she scored 19 goals in Wilsonville's 11 matches. In 17 matches this season, though, she has been able to match the 46 goals she scored as a sophomore.
“We knew that she's gotten there before,” Wilsonville coach Alex Boehm said. “It's a whole different ballgame, though, when it's in reach. I know it's a lot of pressure on her back. We knew she could get there. We're really excited for her. She's had an amazing career.”
The Oregon State-bound Antonson said “it's definitely an honor” to be mentioned in the same breath as some of the state's all-time great players.
“I'm still processing it,” Antonson said. “It's still kind of shocking for me, just to be next to those names in the first place. To beat that record, it's just mind-blowing.”
Antonson has been able to produce despite drawing much attention from opposing teams.
“Everyone knows about her,” Boehm said. “Teams put at least one person marking her the whole game, and ensure that they have coverage on her. But she is just a different breed, and knows how to play in those situations in order to get some looks at goal.”
Antonson credited sophomore forwards Kenley Whittaker and Brianna Crane with diverting attention from defenses.
“They definitely help me because they're big threats, too,” Antonson said. “Opening up the field gives them opportunities to score, and they open up space for me to score, as well.”
After scoring her third goal Saturday, the team and fans acknowledged her breaking the record.
“The whole team and staff was supporting her journey to that achievement, so we all definitely knew,” Boehm said. “What was fun is the stands definitely knew. So it was super special for the whole program.”
Boehm said Wilsonville is planning on giving Antonson a game ball as a keepsake. But it will have to wait because the Wildcats have only three playoff balls, which cost more than $100 each.
“We don't know which ball it is,” Boehm of the record-breaking goal. “We need those playoff balls throughout the rest of our playoffs. We promised her she'd be getting one of those.”
Said Antonson: “That's going to be cool. I'm actually excited for that.”
Antonson's 46 goals is tied for fourth on the state's all-time single-season list behind Harrington, who scored 55 goals in 2019.
Antonson could have two more matches to add to her record. Top-seeded Wilsonville (16-0-1) plays host to No. 4 Crescent Valley (12-1-1) in a semifinal Tuesday.
jerryu@osaa.org
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