Playoff Run Ends in Shootout

Tacoma, WA - The men's soccer season came to an end in dramatic fashion on Saturday afternoon after a 1-1 draw had to be settled via a penalty kick shootout.  The #3 seed out of the North overcame adverse conditions and a tough road environment earlier in the week, defeating Blue Mountain CC 5-4 in a slug fest. On just two days rest, the Trojans had to quickly prepare for the #4 ranked Tacoma Titans, a team they lost to earlier in the season at home by a final score of 4-3.  The Titans have one of the most prolific goal scorers in the NWAC in Jesus Flores and one of the best defenses, allowing just 12 goals all season and posting 10 shutouts, ranking 2nd in the NWAC in both statistical categories.  Stingy defense aside, the three goals the Titans gave up in that earlier season meeting against the Trojans was the most they had given up in a single game all season long.  And the Trojans had their own elite goal scorer in River Stewart, coming into the match with 15 goals on the season.

The conditions were wet, with a steady wind, and the natural grass field was about as soggy as it could get and still remain "playable".  Both teams battled in the first half, with the Tacoma offense yielding more scoring opportunities, but the halftime whistle sounded with a 0-0 tie.  

Moments into the second half, a handball inside the box was called against Tacoma, and leading goal scorer River Stewart was called upon.  He answered, putting the Trojans up 1-0 in the 48th minute.  As the game went on, Tacoma had more opportunities.  Trojan goalkeeper Eric Ibanez made two incredible saves, with two other shots hit the goal posts and bounced harmlessly away.  Finally in the 88th minute the leading goal scorer for TCC, Jesus Flores came through tying the game back up.  CJ Emmanuel had one last opportunity for Everett, but the TCC keeper made a save and the game went into overtime.  

In overtime both teams mustered 2 shots on goal, but all four shots were collected by the respective keepers.  For Ibanez, he had a career day making 8 saves before the final whistle sounded, with the game still tied at one, forcing a penalty kick shootout.  

From the onset, Everett would fall behind, missing their first two shots while Tacoma was able to capitalize.  Down 2-0, Everett made their next two PK's, but Tacoma sealed the win by converting on their next two sending the Titans to the semi finals.  

For the Trojans, it was a tremendous season under first year head coach Kieren Raney.  The team advanced to the quarterfinals for just the 7th time in program history, and won 10 matches, tied for third most all time.  They were also a fun offensive team to watch scoring an average of 2.33 goals per game which is tied for the second most in program history.  River Stewart's 16 goals on the season is tied for the most all time in a single season and his 5 assists contributed to a statistical point total of 37 which ranks the most all time in a single season for EvCC.  Dani Amador the sophomore captain, played three seasons for Everett (last season being waived due to COVID-19) and he finished his career with 7 assists ranking him tied for 4th all time at EvCC.

Dani Amador, and Jackson Cole were named to the all north region team, and River Stewart was named North Region MVP.  This marks the second season in a row (ommitting 2020 due to COVID-19) that a Trojan has earned the honors.  Madadi Sarr was named North Region MVP in 2019.  

With so many freshman, and 2nd year players with potentially another year of eligibility on this year's roster, the 2022 squad could shape up to be a title contender and another historical team.