Vashon youth soccer finishes undefeated season
Published 1:30 am Wednesday, July 9, 2025
A recreational team of 9- and 10-year-old islanders sailed to an undefeated season in the West Seattle Soccer Club’s league play.
The athletes of the Vashon Island Soccer Club have been enrolled in modified soccer for years, but only this season finally got the opportunity to play against someone other than each other. The kids earned a record of 8-0-0, scoring 26 goals and only allowing 5.
From day one, the kids showed tremendous dedication to learning soccer and having fun. Billed as an opportunity for a novel experience learning the technical and tactical details of the sport — and competing against the time constraints of many other local sports and activities — this team was made a priority by the kids.
“This season will be a core memory for so many of the girls,” said athlete parent Nichole Banducci.
The kids showed up for two practices per week for two months, totaling about 70 hours over the season. Each week culminated in a game against the backdrop of the downtown city skyline.
With the global Club World Cup tournament in Seattle, the team wore the colors of Man City, and the other Seattle area teams each represented a different club team. However, this all-girls team did not fully appreciate having “Man” on the front of their shirts — so they promptly became known as “W.O. Man City.”
The spring season started with two close games — ending 3-2 and 3-1 — and the team at one point won five straight games without giving up a goal.
W.O. Man City was led in defense by Blake Smith, Violet Provo and Clara Langland. They worked well with goalies Joss Moe and Gwen Buse to provide the shutout streak. Scoring was paced by Vivian Claus, who scored eight goals in all and who scored in all but one of the games.
Dakota Branson and Joss Moe chipped in 5 and 4 goals, respectively. Every other player on the team scored at least one goal, contributed an assist, or won defensive battles leading to the favorable outcomes.
Coaching the team was a highlight for the volunteer coaches, who appreciated the buy-in from the players and their families. Expectations might be higher the next time the kids lace up their boots. With the teamwork they’ve demonstrated, there’s no reason not to expect great things from them going forward.
Those interested in signing up to play soccer at the Vashon Island Soccer Club can visit vashonsoccer.org. Registration is currently open for the fall season. Teams by age group are forming soon.
Brad Claus is the head coach of W.O. Man City.
