On February 12th the girls’ varsity soccer team played Sunlake for a spot in the coveted State Championship tournament. The winner of this game would advance to the state semifinals vs Batram Trail on Thursday 2/20.
The game against Sunlake started at 7:00pm and the stands slowly filled up with students and parents eager to watch. The crowd buzzed with excitement while the teams prepared for what they knew would be an intense game. From the opening whistle, both teams came out strong with lots of energy and excitement. The Warriors knew from the start that it would a struggle to contain the Seahawks midfield as they were very technical.
Sunlake took possession early, but the defense stayed strong with incredible saves to prevent them from scoring. “We were all super nervous, but we knew once we started the game nothing else would matter” said Bryce Ruggeri (9).
Sunlake continued to test the Warriors defense throughout the first quarter but couldn’t seem to find a way to score against Steinbrenner’s goalie Chloe Waddington (12). “I think the whole team played a great game; the defense held up strong which helps me to stop the team from scoring.” As the game went on the teams got more and more impatient with the lack of opportunities as the ball was being possessed mostly in the midfield.
At halftime, both teams took a moment to collect themselves and refocus. With the score at a standstill of 0-0 it was still anybody’s game to win. As the second half got underway the Warriors began to find their rhythm. They kept the ball in Sunlakes half up until the water break but couldn’t seem to get a goal in.
After the water break Sunlake responded with pressure on the Warriors defense. Launching attack after attack but Chloe Waddington and the back line stayed strong saving and clearing every dangerous ball. The crowd continued to roar as the game went on with both sides of the stands filled to the brim.
As tension filled the air both teams struggled to maintain their energy and endurance. Foul after foul you could see the impatience of both teams from any part of the field. Both teams pushed to score not wanting the game to go into overtime like it did the previous week.
In the final minute of the game both teams were desperate for a goal. As the clock ticked down from 1 minute the Seahawks secured the ball and scored in the last 20 seconds. The Seahawks were now up 1-0 and only had to defend for 15 more seconds to win the game.
They successfully defended themselves and were named the Regional Champs. The Warriors were filled with sadness but proud of themselves for pushing through and having such a great season. “I am so proud of my team, and I couldn’t wish for a better season.” Kylee Eriksen said.
