The Issaquah Eagles girls soccer team (3-0-2) cruised to a 6-0 home victory over Mercer Island (2-2-0) on Sept. 19. Eagles head coach Kyle Tatro said the team wanted to send a message to the league that they are going to be a difficult team to play at home.

“When you come to Issaquah, and come to our home field, it’s going to be a real tough game,” Tatro said. “It should be a place where opponents are intimidated by to come into.”

The Eagles opened the scoring in the 19th minute when Issaquah forward Niah Dang put the ball into the open net after Islanders goalkeeper Amy Braman came out to try and play the ball.

In the 34th minute, Issaquah doubled its lead when forward Amilia Esterhuizen headed the ball into the net after Claire Tylutki put a great cross into the box. All night, Tylutki was able to use her speed to create chances for the Eagles. Tatro said the Eagles’ speed is one of their biggest strengths.

“I knew early on in the season that our speed was going to be an asset for us,” Tatro said. “I’m not surprised that you really saw that speed shine in the second half as fatigue sets in.”

In the second half, the Eagles were able to create more space, opening the game up in the midfield.

With space opening up in the midfield, the Eagles were able to get shots on goal from distance to test Braman. Issaquah scored three goals in a span of about 10 minutes midway through the second half to take a commanding 5-0 lead.

Issaquah would add one more goal when midfielder Kira Terao curled a shot past Braman to finish off the Islanders, 6-0.

“We were firing on all cylinders and we had some great shots,” Tatro said. “It was a lot of fun tonight.”

Issaquah freshman Shelby Runje dribbles the ball in front of Mercer Island defender Lilly Pruchno on Sept. 19. Benjamin Olson/ staff photo