Overwhelming victories were the claim of the Pirates over the past week as the boys soccer team beat all four teams it took on.
Coach Paul Beytebiere said the spate of victories reinforced the overall strength of the team’s talent and strategy this season.
“The leadership from the seniors and juniors has been exceptional. … The team has been gelling really well, and the play has been fun to watch,” he said.
With home-field advantage and to the delight of spirited fans, the Pirates racked up four goals in each game against Charles Wright and Cascade Christian, who both came up empty-handed last Thursday and Friday.
During Thursday’s game Against Charles Wright, goals came quickly to the Pirates as midfielder Shane Bedard drove one into the net in the first two minutes of play. The next two goals, not long after, were by forward Victor Moreira, also assisted by Bedard.
With confidence, the Pirates were able to continue a defensive game, aided by the ever-present glove of goalie Philip Vandevanter. A final goal scored by Van Ralston in the 68th minute of the second half sealed the 4-0 win.
Friday’s performance against Cascade Christian (4-0) was again dominated by the Pirates, who led off with a goal three minutes in by forward Ezra Koenig, fed up the pitch by Ralston.
Additional goals came to fruition in the second half when chemistry and strategy between Victor Moreira and midfielder Nick Gass allowed each to both score and assist each other’s goals. Prior to the final whistle, Koenig netted the last goal.
On Tuesday at an away game against Cascade Christian, Vashon led with a 7-3 win.
Moreira, a Brazilian exchange student, completed a three-goal hat trick — a significant contribution to the win that day. Peter Amick and Jacob Gateman also added to the tally.
Overall passing and the forcefully defensive back of Jesse Hazzard, Jessie Turner and Matt Swope kept their opponents with fewer advantages.
Monday night, in the fourth game of the Pirates’ winning streak, VHS dominated a short-handed Chimacum squad, 7-0, with Moreira scoring five goals.
Contributing to the stellar week were the junior varsity team’s wins against the first three opponents, including a two-game shutout with goalie Ben Stemmer at the net.
The Pirates will play Orting today in an away game and take on Life Christian at 6 p.m. Friday at home.
— Karen O’Neil is a longtime VHS soccer volunteer.
