Trojans Play to 1-1 Draw on the Road

Moun Vernon, WA - The Trojans entered Wednesday afternoon's contest against Skagit Valley riding high after the previous weekend's 3-1 victory over #7 nationally ranked Whatcom to secure a trip to the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season.  The win over Whatcom also erased any hope that Skagit Valley had to make the playoffs, but nonetheless the contest still carried meaning as it was SVC's sophomore day and the two rival programs never miss an opportunity to best the other.  

Both teams had opportunities in the first half to get on the board and in fact were a near mirror of each other in those opportunites.  The Trojans and Cardinals both registered 6 shots, 4 of which were on frame forcing the opposing goalkeepers to make saves.  Both teams drew a penalty kick, one for a handball called in the box on EvCC and one for a foul in the box on SVC, but neither team converted as both keepers came up with big saves to keep the game even at 0.  Everett did earn 3 cornerkicks to Skagit's 0, so that ended up being the only true advantage.  

Skagit struck first in the second half, with a goal in the 54th minute and looked as though they were going to hang on for the win.  With only moment left in stoppage time, the Trojans got a throw in deep in Skagit territory.  Duglas Cruz launched a ball into the box off the throw in that found River Stewart's head who flicked it back to Juan Castillo, and he finished it off with a header of his own.  Moments later the final whistle would sound and EvCC stole the win away from a Cardinal team looking for morale victories. 

The lone goal would be Juan's 6th of the year (2nd highest total on the team) and for River Stewart he adds a statistical point with the assist, bringing his total up to 31 which is the 5th highest total in the NWAC.  Everett will play their final home game of the season this saturday against the crowned north region champions, Peninsula College.  Regardless of outcome, it will be an excellent final preparation before the playoffs begin on November 3rd, where the Trojans will likely travel to Pendleton, OR to take on Blue Mountain CC who finished as the east regions #2 seed.