SPRINGVILLE — No one would talk much about it, but everyone knew that the Springville girls soccer team had Tuesday's game against Orem circled, underlined and highlighted on the schedule.
When the game finally arrived, the Red Devils played like a team on a mission and put one hand on the Region 7 championship with a 2-1 win. The victory snapped a four-game losing streak to Orem and puts Springville in position to reclaim the region title it last won in 2004.
There are still two games left, but the Red Devils would have to lose both to completely give the championship away. After the work they put in to reach first place, they have every intention of keeping that position all to themselves.
"We got it done," said Springville coach Ryan Swanson. "We haven't beat Orem for a few years so we're happy to get this one. We just hung in there and did just enough to get through."
The Red Devils seized control of the game quickly with an early goal from freshman Autumn Woods in the opening 15 minutes.
Natalie Young sent a long throw in from the touchline that bounced across the goal. Woods was waiting in space and headed the ball into the corner.
"It was kind of surprising," said Woods. "It's my first header of the year."
Midway through the second half, Woods also drew a foul that led to Springville's second goal.
In the 60th minute, she took a dribble into the box and was pushed down from behind. The referee didn't hesitate to point to the spot, and Young converted the penalty kick to make the score 2-0.
The two-goal lead was well deserved. Up to that point Springville had controlled the tempo and didn't gave Orem a lot of chances.
"In the second half we just persevered," said Swanson. "We give lots of credit to our forwards who score, but it's a team game. They all played well."
Orem narrowed the gap in the 76th minute, when Kaitlyn Thomas knocked in Maggie Plothow's cross, but it was too little, too late for the Tigers.
"It's obvious Springville wanted the game more," said Orem coach Ed Louder. "We came out complacent. Springville came out and wanted the game and took it."
The Red Devils have another big test on Thursday against a hot Mountain View team. That doesn't leave much time to celebrate.
"We don't want a letdown," said Swanson. "I said (to the team) you can enjoy this today, but tomorrow I need you as focused as you've ever been in practice."