Home Win Over the Orcas

Everett, WA - Men's soccer entered Saturday's contest ranked #5 in the NWAC, but stuck in the thick of heavy North region competition, and just three points away from finding themselves outside of the top three in the standings (top three qualify for post season play).  This set up a crucial match against Whatcom, who is also in desperate need of picking up points, having recently suffered a 1-0 defeat to Shoreline.  Everett defeated Whatcom in their previous match up back on September 14th in a 1-0 defensive battle.  It was Noah Harrison-Russell's lone goal in the 15th minute that was the difference in that game, and a defense that allowed just 3 shots on goal, all of which saved by keeper Paddy Murphy. 

Everett once again got on the board early in the 15th minute when defender Lucas Siemering send a ball into the box that found Aidan Raney for a header up and over the reach of the Orca goalkeeper.  The two teams exchanged opportunities for the next 20 minutes, but both defenses held solid.  Whatcom held the offensive edge however placing two shots on frame that required saves from Paddy Murphy.  Late in the first half, WCC's leading goal scorer Hudson French got behind the Trojan back line and beat Murphy on a 1v1 to tie the match.  

Then, early in the second half, Whatcom drew a foul just outside of the penalty area.  French took the kick and got it passed the Trojan wall and beyond the reach of Murphy to give Whatcom the lead.  Three minutes later however, the Trojans answered with another Siemering to Raney connection, tying the match at 2-2.  Everett controlled the next 20 minutes of action drawing five corner kicks.  The sixth was the charm in the 67th minute as sophomore Noah Harrison Russell found the foot of fellow sophomore Christiano Whitaker at the near post.  It was the go ahead goal of the match and Whitaker's 26th career goal, moving him up to tied for 2nd on the EvCC all time career goal scorers list.    

A much needed insurance goal came in the 76th minute.  Similar to Whatcom's second goal, EvCC drew a foul at the top of the box.  Aiden Raney took the kick and lifted it past the defensive wall but the Orca keeper made a diving save.  The ball deflected back out to the foot of Lunden Fenster who put it away, giving the Trojans a 4-2 lead.  

With less than nine minutes to play in regulation Whatcom cut into the deficit, adding some late game intensity in the final moments.  The Trojan defense held composure and did not allow another WCC shot, preserving the 4-3 win. 

The Trojans now hold firmly in 2nd place in the north region standings with a big match coming up on Wednesday evening against the #1 ranked Peninsula Pirates.  Peninsula got up 4-0 on EvCC a month ago in Port Angeles, but the Trojans came all the way back, falling just short 4-3.  Kick off for Wednesday is set for 5:30pm at Everett Memorial Stadium.