Lessons Learned Versus #1 Peninsula

Everett women's soccer entered Saturday's match against the #1 ranked Peninsula Pirates with an opportunity to upset the defending NWAC Champs, off to a great start in 2019 in their own right.  The Trojans came in to Saturday having won 5 out of their last 6 matches and undefeated through four north region conference games. 

With high expectations coming into the match, it was a tough blow when the Pirates scored less than two minutes into the game.  Kayla Alcott of the Pirates sent a great ball into the box, and an unmarked Grace Johnson came streaking in to finish the play against goalkeeper Alexius McKinney who played the whole first half recording two saves on 7 Peninsula first half shots. 

While the defense of the Trojans held strong after that initial lapse, the offense struggled to find any rhythm in the stout PC defense, and after 45 minutes of play, Everett did not get off a single shot.

Sophomore goalkeeper Emma Allison started the second half for the Trojans and Everett continued to play strong defense against what seemed like a constant Peninsula attack.  Allison recorded three saves through the first 15 minutes to hold the 1-0 deficit intact.  However in the 78th minute the Pirates found pay dirt and Sam Oliveira connected on the second PC goal of the game.  Five minutes later another defensive mistake led to another Peninsula goal sealing the 3-0 win for the defending champs.  Everett did have one opportunity to get on the scoreboard with a moral boosting goal in stoppage time when sophomore defender Caitlynn Daniel took a free kick from about 30 yards out that nearly got past the keepers outstretched arms.  

Despite the loss, Everett still holds on to 2nd place in the North Region Standings through the first leg of conference play.  They now trail by 5 points to first place Peninsula, who has taken 3 points from all 5 north region opponents.  The Trojans, with 10 points are three points ahead of third place Skagit Valley with 7 points. 

Everett will have the week off before returning to action next Saturday against Edmonds CC to start the 2nd leg of three legs in North Region play.  The Trojans defeated Edmonds in a very exciting 2-1 match in their first meeting.  Game time is set for 12:00pm at Triton Field in Lynnwood, WA.