The Vashon High School boys soccer team achieved the distinction of being one of the top eight teams in the state, participating last weekend in state quarter-finals for the first time in six years.
The Pirates’ season finished after being knocked out of state competition on Saturday, May 19, by the Overlake Owls, 4-1.
The Pirates had a stellar season with an overall record of 13 wins, five losses and one tie. The team’s Nisqually League record was nine wins, two losses and one tie. The league record includes a loss to Seattle Christian and a forfeit to Cascade Christian due to player ineligibility.
Out of four post-season games, Vashon played the undefeated Owls twice in a challenging week of state qualifier and quarter-final competition.
Earlier in the week at State playoffs in Centralia, Vashon beat Rochester High, 3-1, with one goal by Ezra Koening and two credited to Victor Moreira.
Vashon fans packed the bleachers Saturday in Redmond to watch the Pirates battle Overlake, whose roster includes a talented forward who also plays for the Seattle Sounders’ academy team. Quickly after the start, Overlake’s forward scored three goals. Defender Sean O’Neil broke out from the back, exchanging passes with Koenig and pushed past the defense to score the goal for Vashon in the 33rd minute.
During the second half, Pirate defenders Jesse Hazzard and Jesse Turner contained Overlake’s several attacks while midfielder Nick Gass won many air balls with his agility and height. Midfielder Van Ralston worked hard, finding himself surrounded many times, but was still able to win balls and break out. Jacob Gateman and Chris Cirillo relieved players who were injured and held strong with the rest of the team.
Younger talent on the field was displayed by midfielders Austin Heit and Shane Bedard. They covered well in the second half and kept attempts on Vashon’s goal limited, and the team was not outmatched.
A final goal for Overlake occurred in the 72nd minute from a defensive error resulting in elimination for Vashon.
Coach Paul Beytebiere said after the game that he was proud of the successes of the season and the way the team battled.
This year Pirates say goodbye to the starting talent of varsity seniors Jesse Turner, Jesse Hazzard, Nick Gass and Ezra Koenig, as well as exchange students Victor Moreira and Chris Cirillo. Looking to the future, the Pirates will keep freshman midfielder Austin Heit, sophomore midfielders Jack Benner, Shane Beddard and Peter Amick, goalie Philip VanDevanter, as well as juniors Sean O’Neil, Van Ralston and Matt Swope.
— Karen O’Neil is a longtime VHS soccer volunteer.
Alumni soccer game
The annual Pirate alumni soccer game will be held at noon on Saturday, June 2, at Vashon High School. A potluck barbecue will follow the game.
