The Stayton Eagles currently boast a perfect 7-0 record including 4-0 in league this season. They have the most goals scored- 47- and the fewest allowed-3-  in 4A boys soccer in 2017. They head into a pivotal Oregon West Conference game tonight, as they host the defending state champion Newport Cubs.

“Overall we return almost everything we had from last season and still will only have 4 senior starters” says Stayton Head Coach Chris Shields.

Among those players making a difference for the Eagles this season are Alex Cramer, a senior who was 2nd in the voting for all-conference player of the year in 2016.  A versatile left midfielder, Cramer is a player who can attack and set up other players. 

Kevin Hernandez, a junior this season and 2nd team all-conference selection in 2016, is an attacking center midfielder. He has already combined with Alex and others to create many scoring opportunities this season.

Jose “Chivo” Gomez, a senior, may have been the Eagles best player last year before an ACL tear.  Back and playing soccer at a high level this season, Gomez plays in the central part of the field,  defensively.  

Jose Navarro, the Eagles junior goalkeeper and 1st team all-conference as a freshman and sophomore, looks to anchor a backline that returns all the players from last year and has only one senior in 2017.    

Coach Shields, who will be looking to balance a playoff run with the birth of his first son this month, says the team is in the win now mentality. “We want to win this season, have tons of talent and potential.  It’s a great group of young players.” Lacking depth and riddled by injuries in 2016, this season looks to be different, at least so far.

You can see the Eagles live here on Oregon SportsBeat at 6:00 pm tonight as they host the defending 4A State Champion Newport Cubs.