FRUITLAND, Idaho — Nothing provides confidence to a new coach like winning on the road to start a season.

The La Grande girls soccer team did just that, winning 2-0 over the Fruitland, Idaho, on Thursday, Aug. 24, in nonleague play and giving Chris Gianandrea his first victory as a new coach.

“I really loved the performance the team provided,” he said.

Paige Allen provided the Tigers an early lead, scoring in the first half. Although La Grande was unable to find the net again in the half, Gianandrea said the team played exceptional.

“The last 15 minutes of the first half was just beautiful soccer,” he said. “The passing, the execution was just something to see.”

The new coach also was able to see how an early lead can affect his squad as the Tigers came out shaky to start the second half, according to Gianandrea.

“It was rough,” he said. “I think they were just a little too amped up and just had to calm down and get back to playing like I knew they could.”

After a penalty was called, Kaitlin Brock picked up the second goal of the game, a kick that found the net from 22 yards away. With time winding down in the match, goalie Lyndie Isaacson managed a clutch save to keep the shoutout intact.

Fans of the Tigers will have a chance to see a match as La Grande (1-0-0) hosts Payette, Idaho, on Aug. 26 with the game starting at noon.

High school boys soccer

La Grande 3, Fruitland 3

LA GRANDE — The La Grande boys soccer team played to a 3-all tie with the visiting Grizzlies of Fruitland, Idaho, on Thursday, Aug. 24, in La Grande.

The home matches versus Idaho teams will continue for La Grande (0-0-1) as the Tigers host Payette, Idaho, on Aug. 26. Game time is 10 a.m.