The Vashon Island High School Pirates’ girls’ varsity soccer team had a nail-bitter of a game last Thursday, Oct. 17, on home turf against Charles Wright Academy.
Wright showed up ready to play their best against the Pirates, newly crowned no. 1 in their league. It was another soggy game making for slippery conditions, but the Pirates arrived prepared to defend their placement.
Within seconds of kick-off, junior forward Payton Venturi provided senior Sydnee Adams a solid corner kick, resulting in an exciting header attempt, setting the tone that Vashon was ready to score. The Pirates’ strong defensive line continued to display their prowess, barely allowing the ball through. Seniors Olivia London, and Hannah Spranger, sophomores Lucy Wing and Phoebe Wilke and freshman players Vera Moses and Leah Gross all kept the ball forward. Repeated attempts on goal were made by forwards Adams and Payton Venturi in the first 20 minutes of play.
After several efforts, Adams received the ball from Wilke and weaved her way through Wright’s defense and past the keeper placing a score on the board for Vashon. The Pirates continued dominating the ball with clean passing and intelligent play.
Vashon’s second goal arrived minutes later, with junior Payton Venturi winning possession of the ball at midfield and dribbling toward the goal, executing a lofty boot that sailed up and over the keeper landing in the top left corner of the net. Vashon looked confident with a 2-0 lead approaching halftime.
Charles Wright was able to sneak one past Vashon right before the whistle, making it 2-1 going into the second half. The Pirates continued defending their goal, winning the ball and maintaining possession, while Charles Wright upped their level of pressure, scoring one more and tying it up. Freshman Vera Moses came out strong with an attempt on goal and a quick play. Adams and Venturi had several more attempts on goal, close calls that had the dedicated fans cheering while the rain poured.
Vashon ruled the two five minute half’s of exhilarating overtime with multiple opportunities to finish. Senior Sydnee Adams, juniors Corinne Ryan and Payton Venturi and sophomore Franki Brown almost sunk goals toward the end. Hats off to Wright’s defender who successfully maintained a 2-2 tie at the whistle. All are welcome to senior night at Vashon High School Wednesday, Oct. 30, at 6 p.m., when the Pirates take on Annie Wright.
— Karson Brown is the parent of a VHS Pirates soccer player.
