After starting the season with two very strong games, the Vashon High School boys’ soccer team hit a bit of a speed bump last week.
The team fell 3-1 to Charles Wright (CW) in Tacoma on Tuesday, March 22, with the only goal coming at the very end of the game on a corner kick by senior Bohdin Mozeleski and a touch-in by junior captain Sam Foucault.
CW scored two goals in the first half, one off a set piece and direct kick, and one a result of good play penetrating the normally solid Vashon defense. CW’s third goal came just minutes after halftime. VHS seemed to be struggling to find a rhythm in the midfield. There was space open wide, but the middle was where the ball was played, and it amounted to frustration, and finally a loss.
Next up for the boys was league rival Seattle Christian on Thursday. SC had just come off a victory over another league rival, Bellevue Christian, so this seemed like a pivotal game. Vashon came out dominating possession this time, comfortable on their home field. This was a more open game, and while Vashon dominated possession throughout, there did seem to be susceptibility to counter attack.
Senior keeper Brett Beardsley once again earned his dinner with a very solid shift in goal. The high point of the match came when Foucault, in midfield, had his feet swept out from under him resulting in a direct kick just on the Vashon side of the center circle. Luis Castellon Villasenor, playing at center back, sent a kick about 40 yards right onto the top of the box before sophomore Zane Bork touched the ball on the run, turned and laced a shot into the goal. It was a great goal, and a 1-0 win was the result.
On Saturday, the team had a long trip to Silverdale to face Klahowya at Olympic High School.
VHS put out their strongest squad, but this time the offensive opportunities were few and far between. Klahowya dominated the game throughout and came away with three goals to VHS’ zero. Even with some great moments of play from individual efforts, Vashon was put off their rhythm and never found a way to own the ball and get comfortable. Klahowya tackled hard and was quick to the ball. Despite a questionable lack of calls from the game’s referees, Vashon was outplayed.
VHS soccer now has three wins — Eatonville, King’s and Seattle Christian — and two losses — Charles Wright and Klahowya. The team is at 1-1 in its conference, tied with Seattle Christian.
CW is on top with a 2-0 league record.
VHS played Coupeville on Tuesday after press time and will play another non-league game Saturday at Blaine.
The boys have a big league match against Bellevue Christian at home on Thursday, April 14. Bellevue will be scrapping for their first league win, and VHS will be scrapping for the second spot at the table.
— Greg Martin is the father of two Vashon High School athletes.
