The Pirates had only one thing on their minds during the first match of the state soccer tournament in Camas last Tuesday: a win. However, at the end of a second overtime, their opponent Ridgefield’s ball reached the net, resulting in “sudden death,” 2-1, and ending the Pirates’ season with only a small taste of state.

“Every game was a challenge this year, and they rose to the challenge,” coach Paul Beytebiere said of the team. “It was a highly competitive team and (there was) especially strong competition in the league this year.” 

The Vashon boys — a young team with only three seniors on the roster this year — finished in second in the Nisqually 1A league. They never had more than two goals scored against them in a game. 

During the state matchup against Ridgefield High school, junior Nick Gass made the team’s only goal, which occurred in the 46th minute. 

Freshman keeper Philip Vandevanter was outstanding in the goal with 10 saves, allowing the game to continue as a tie throughout regular play. In the last moments of the second overtime, a Ridgefield player pressed the ball just at the right angle for their advantage.

Five Pirates have been designated for the all-league team this year: seniors Jackson McFall, Nick Fox Edele and Dominik Stemer, junior Jesse Turner and Vandevanter.

Summing up the season, Beytebiere said, “I love the enthusiasm this year. With the boys getting a taste of state, they are getting it in their blood, so I hope they will go every year.”

The Pirates will play one last game against Vashon alumni at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 29.

— Karen O’Neil is the mother of a Pirate soccer player.