Boys’ soccer takes championship, moves on to post-season play

The Pirates are awaiting final state seedings to determine their playoff picture.

Continuing their winning streak, the Vashon Pirates boys’ soccer team has clinched the championship title in league play, and will now tip-off post-season play.

The Pirates are awaiting final state seedings to determine their playoff picture. Their first playoff game will take place at 5:45 p.m. Tuesday, May 10 (prior to press time) at Vashon High School (VHS). The Pirates will play again away on Thursday, May 12, but details are still to be determined.

“It feels great to make another run at State,” said senior captain Levi Stahl.

Stahl has experience in this department, as he was a freshman on the 2019 State Champion team. As a freshman, Stahl had “trial-by-fire,” as he jumped into playoff games for the Pirates three long years ago. Now, the seasoned veteran runs the defensive line and often finds himself pushing into the attack. The defensive fullbacks (sophomore Orion Knowler, junior Oliver Churchill, senior Teo Eckhardt, sophomore Ferdinand Escovedo and Stahl) have only allowed eight goals in the last 16 games this season.

The Pirates have had five games in just twice that number of days, and are looking forward to getting back to some regular training.

The guys are a bit banged up after so many games, but we’ll be healthy and ready for the next round,” said head coach, Scott Nicolino. “I’m pleased how we’re moving the ball around now…teams that were competitive with us in the first round, are clearly on their back-foot when they play us now.”

Junior Moses Trundle-Strachan has emerged as the top goal-scorer for the Pirates with hat tricks in multiple games this season. However, it was the two beautiful goals against VHS rivals Bellevue Christian that really stand out.

The first of these was a brilliant first-time touch from a difficult angle that tied the game 1-1. Then, with just a few minutes left in sudden-death overtime, Trundle-Strachan ignited the crowd when he collected a poor defensive touch, and then drove the length of the field beating two defenders and putting the winning shot between the keeper’s legs.

“It was one of the best goals of my life,” said Trundle-Strachan.

Not to be outdone, senior captain Bellamy Cox-Sitkiewicz has been finding the back of the net with consistency and pace.

“Bellamy has really been driving our change in our point of attack,” said a fellow teammate. “His change of direction when he has the ball is really impressive.”

The Pirates must now win their district championship playoff games to get access to the state tournament. Their top ranking will be helpful in bringing playoff games back to the VHS stadium.

Come out and cheer the boys on during their upcoming games in May.