The Washington Demon boys and girls soccer teams will be on the pitch for the first time this season when they matchup with the Keokuk Chiefs tonight.

The Demon boys make the trip to Keokuk. They are coming off of a 6-8 season in 2017. Washington returns their top four goal scorers from a season ago, led by Caleb Suchan’s 12, fifth most in the Southeast Conference last season. Tony Torres, Matteo Hernandez and Abduallah Talal each scored five goals last year. Defensively, Washington returns goalkeeper Thomas Zimmer who made 119 saves a season ago.

Keokuk was the Southeast Conference champion a season ago with a 7-1 mark in league play. The Chiefs were 11-4 overall. Keokuk returns their leading scorer Jamin Klose who led the Southeast Conference with 19 goals a season ago. However, the Chiefs lost their next four top scorers to graduation who combined for 37 goals a year ago for class 2A’s eighth best offense. The Chiefs are also replacing Isaac Dunlap in goal who made 94 saves last year. Keokuk swept Washington last year in two meetings by 3-0 and 5-1 scores.

The Washington girls enter tonight’s match in search of their first win since 2015, which includes a streak of 32 consecutive losses. The Demons are looking to replace Jessie Bucholz, last year’s leading scorer with five goals. Freshmen Bailey Bryant, Joanna Segura and Brandi Merano each had one goal last season for the Demons. Washington does return their goalkeeper Jessica Hora to lead the defense. She was second in the state with 213 saves.

Keokuk was 9-5 last season. The Chiefs their leading scorer McKenna Tackes and her 21 goals, second best in the Southeast Conference last season. Aryn Kindig is also back in goal for Keokuk after saving 54 shots a season ago. Keokuk beat Washington 6-0 last season. The girls match starts at 4:30 in Washington, the boys play at 5:30 in Keokuk.