By HANS VAN DUSEN
For The Beachcomber
The Vashon Pirates girls soccer team continued to notch impressive matches this month, splitting two home games last week and boosting their season record to an impressive 6-2 while holding on to second place in the Nisqually League.
Last Tuesday, Oct. 7, the Pirates held on for a thrilling 1-0 win over Cascade Christian at Vashon Stadium. The two teams played 90 minutes of exciting scoreless soccer until Mackenna McVeigh received the ball from Ana DeGuzman and drove the game-winner high into the Cascade net with only seconds left on the clock.
Last Thursday, Oct. 9, the Pirates had an equally exciting 3-1 loss to Seattle Christian at Vashon Stadium. The Warriors are one of the strongest 1A teams in state, and Vashon was up for the challenge. The Pirates tied the game at 1-1 in first 5 minutes with an Emily Brown penalty kick. The Warriors managed two more goals in first half with a deft passing game. In second half, the Pirates raised their game and matched Seattle Christian for a fast-paced, high-caliber finish.
Coach Karen Olsen praised the team’s effort and accomplishments, while noting that some improvements can still be made.
“These past two weeks we’ve shown strength and endurance against our toughest competitors, and won two out of the three league matches.” she said. “We have a lot of talent, and if that talent is mixed with confidence, I believe that the team would be stronger and unbeatable.”
The JV girls also had another strong week with a decisive 6-0 victory over The Northwest School, bringing their record to 5-2 so far this season.
The varsity team will play its last home game at 4 p.m. Thursday for senior night and a huge rematch against rival Charles Wright Academy. The Pirates narrowly defeated the Tarriers in the season opener on Sept. 19 and now look to repeat and strengthen their hold on second place in the Nisqually League.
If you can’t make the big home game this Thursday, you, can tune in live on KVSH 101.9 for play-by-play coverage of the match.
— Hans Van Dusen is the father of a varsity soccer player and the president of the Vashon Island Soccer Club.
