The Pirates’ return to the soccer pitch at home on April 15, after a week of spring break, resulted in a welcome victory against Cedar Park Christian.

With a previous loss to this team, the boys were prepared for strong competition. But they had the upper hand immediately after the start, when junior Peter Amick put the ball through to forward Sean O’Neil, who beat the defense and scored at the two-minute mark.

Clearly dominating play, the Pirates were able to keep the ball on the attack and scored again (O’Neil) in the 14th minute of play.

A key advantage in the game that day was the strong defensive back of players Brooks Benner, Shane Beddard, Matt Swope and Tanner Montague, who collectively kept the ball moving, creating space and scoring opportunities. Vashon scored a third goal after the half so that a subsequent goal for Cedar Park was not a threat. The Pirates won with a final score of 3-2.

Last Friday in a game against Cascade Christian at Bonney Lake, the Pirates dominated play, especially in the first half, with twice as many attempts at the goal as the opponent. Despite their attempts, they were unable to find the net.

Both teams scoreless at the half, Vashon fared extremely well against the opponents, as they had expected stiffer competition from the team currently ranked second in the league. The score remained tied at 0 through regulation play, requiring two five-minute overtimes.

In the second overtime, with just a minute left, the opposition had an unfortunate deflection off a player, resulting in the only goal. The final score was 0-1. After the loss, Vashon is now ranked fifth in the Nisqually League.

On a high note, the JV  team fared well against Cascade Christian that day, wining 4-0. Demonstrating fine teamwork, goal scorers in the JV game were Will Zike, Dan Green, Luke Webster and Gerardo Pereyda-Antunes.

The Pirates’ upcoming schedule includes a match today against Charles Wright, a home game Friday against Chimacum and a final home game on Wednesday, May 1. Home games begin at 6 p.m. and can be also be heard at www.voiceofvashon.org.

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