Geared for a deep run into the playoffs — possibly another state soccer title — Eastlake’s season came to an abrupt end Tuesday night during the opening round of the state tournament.
“It’s a game of mistakes, and we made a mistake at the wrong time,” said EHS head coach Chuck Krieble, after falling 1-0 to Kentwood.
The Conquerors capitalized on the Wolves’ lone defensive miscue in the 35th minute when Rachel Bindl dribbled 20 yards up the field and split a pair of Eastlake defenders with a pass. Streaking down the left sideline, Alex White took the ball 10 yards from the net, moved in a couple of steps, and booted in the score.
“We capitalized on one great opportunity really,” Kentwood head coach Aaron Radford said. “We were fortunate to get that goal.”
Eastlake, which out-shot Kentwood 9-8 for the game, had its own scoring opportunities. In the 31st and 38th minutes, the Wolves received the ball inside the goal box — once failing to get a shot off, and the other time having their shot blocked on a quick reaction from Conqueror keeper Megan Walburn.
“We were getting some looks, we had some opportunities,” Krieble said.
Scoring was a tough task, however. Kentwood’s defense, which might be the toughest in the state, allowed just two goals in its previous 18 games.
“Every time we get a goal we’re ready to defend that goal and make it stand up — yet again they did their job,” Radford said.
The Conquerors advanced to the state quarterfinals where they will meet South Kitsap this Saturday.
Eastlake, which was without senior starters Candice Osei-Agyemang and Kellie Shreve due to injuries, ended its season with a 14-5-1 record.
“Our group didn’t live up to their own expectations, they lived up to mine,” Krieble said. “Win or lose, this is my fifth year here, this is our fifth trip to state, and the things these girls did with each other this year rivaled the (2007) team that won a title before.”
Issaquah opens tournament with a bang
KingCo 4A champion Issaquah opened the state tournament Tuesday night with a dominant 3-0 victory over Bellarmine Prep.
Senior Kristin Maris recorded a hat trick for the Eagles, scoring three goals. She knocked in a penalty kick before tacking on goals in the 49th and 55th minutes.
Goalkeeper Brooke Miller recorded the shutout.
Issaquah (15-2) will host Monroe (12-5-2) Saturday. The Bearcats stunned top-ranked Emerald Ridge Tuesday night, beating them 5-1.
