A Season of Highlights

Tukwila, WA - For the first time in 33 years the EvCC men's soccer team advanced to the semi-finals of the NWAC playoffs.  At that time in 1989, most of the members of this year's team were still 15 years away from being born, George Bush senior had succeeded Ronald Reagan as the President of the United States, a gallon of gas cost 97 cents, and the Berlin Wall was brought down, ending the Cold War.  But for the 2022 squad who advanced through the first round and quarterfinal matches on the road in adverse conditions, the trip to Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila was just another game en route to the ultimate goal of bringing home the program's first ever NWAC Championship. 

The assignment ahead was for certain the toughest test to date, going up against East Region Champs Columbia Basin College who boasted a league best 3.31 goals scored per game average, and also a league best 0.74 goals allowed per game average, one of just three teams in the NWAC to give up less than 1 goal per game.  The Hawks started the game as the aggressors, with two shots within the first ten minutes, one requiring a save from starting keeper Avary Olson, the other hitting the post and careening away.   Moments later in the 12th minute CBC got on the board with a goal that appeared to happen after an Everett defender was knocked down in the box.  Nonetheless, no foul was called and the Trojans would have to play catch up.  

It was familiar territory, last week the Trojans responded with a goal after falling behind not once, but twice on the road at Lane CC in the quarterfinal match.  EvCC came back to win that one 3-2 in overtime, so there was no panic on the field.  Still, CBC remained in control of the match with three more shots (two requiring saves from Olson) before the Trojans would get their first test on the CBC keeper with a header from Whosayn Al-Azadi in the 23rd minute.  That seemed to get the offensive rhythm flowing, and Everett was able to get off five more quality shots.  Even though none of them found the back of the net, there appeared to be a slight momentum shift heading into the half.  

Trailing by a goal, the Trojans continued the surge into the second half getting away 8 more shots to CBC's 2 through the first 20 minutes.  A goal by the Trojans seemed imminent, but a well executed CBC transition and a miscue by the defense led to the Hawks second goal of the game in the 67th minute. 

Now trailing by two goals, the comeback victory seemed far less probable. Despite the odds, Everett pressed forward and continued to play hard.  After four more shots, Everett finally saw the ball hit the back of the net, and it was EvCC's all time leading goal scorer River Stewart who connected on an assist from Conner Smith.  The goal came in the 84th minute, but with the goal came a resurgence of life, and the fans got their money's worth with the most intense 5 minutes of soccer action the entire season.  The Trojans had opportunity after opportunity with shots from Emmanuel Escalante, River Stewart, and two from Liam Raney.  The clock stopped at 90, and the Trojans pressed forward even more to try and get the late game tying goal.  The gamble unfortunately did not pay off, and CBC solidified their spot in the championship game with a stoppage time goal to win it 3-1. 

Tears and hugs could been seen across the field from Trojan players and coaches. Although it was a disappointing loss, this special team had a laundry list of accomplishments to hang on a successful 2022 season. 

• The 3rd place finish is the highest since the 1989 squad led by coach Bruce Hansen defeated Pierce College 2-1 in the quarterfinals before falling to Skagit Valley in the semi's
• This was the 5th straight post season appearance and the third straight season with at least one playoff win
• 13 wins ties the EvCC single season overall win total
• 23 wins through head coach Kieren Raney's first two seasons is the most by any EvCC men's soccer coach in their first two seasons
• 67 team goals scored breaks EvCC's single season goal scoring record
• Victor Aguilar, Liam Raney, and Emmanuel Escalante were named Honorable Mention All North Region
• Goalkeeper Avary Olson was named First Team All North Region and his 4.5 shutouts ranks 2nd most all time at EvCC while his .806 save percentage ranks 3rd all time at EvCC
• Freshman Emmanuel Escalante set an EvCC single season assists record with 12
• River Stewart was named the North Region MVP and the NWAC men's soccer player of the year.  He set the new EvCC single season goal scoring record with 30 as well as the most career goals at EvCC with 46.  River also became the first player in EvCC history to accumulate over 100 points (103) in his career with 46 goals and 11 assists.