SPOKANE — The Peninsula Pirates managed to play all of the defending region champions in nonconference soccer play, completing that preseason schedule with a win and a tie at Spokane Monday.
The defending NWAC champion Pirate men overcame a 1-0 deficit to defeat the reigning East Region champion Sasquatch 2-1 Saturday, following a 2-2 thriller between the defending NWAC women’s champions from Spokane and the five-time region champion and third-place 2015 finisher Peninsula.
In the men’s match the Sasquatch went out in front 1-0 in the 41st minute on a goal by Jonathan Cortez and led 1-0 at halftime.
The Pirates scored the equalizer just three minutes into the second half when Salvador Vargas found teammate Joey Hollimon on a corner kick.
Then, in the 74th minute, Saul Araiza created an own goal after beating two Spokane defenders in the box.
Sergio Uribe was credited with three saves in goal for Peninsula.
Women Peninsula 2, Spokane 2
The Pirates stunned the defending NWAC champions, ranked 13th in the National Soccer Coaches’ Association pre-season women’s soccer poll, with a goal in the 20th minute, when Maddy Parton made a run down the right wing, played the ball into the middle to Marriah Perez, who dished it to Kelly Kevershan on the left wing. The freshman forward then tucked it neatly underneath Sasquatch keeper Molly Webster for the go-ahead score.
Spokane roared back, tying the match on a free kick by Anisha Nicholson in the 32nd minute for a 1-1 deadlock at halftime, and then upping the ante in the first minute of the second half when Maddy Boyd capitalized on a Pirate defensive breakdown to put the hosts in front 2-1.
The Pirates finally broke through with just two minutes remaining in regulation when Ellie Small executed a nice pass in to Hoku Afong, who smashed it past Webster at the near post, to provide the guests with a tie.
Pirate keepers Akari Hoshino and Natalie Carreon split time in goal, combining for five saves.
“We talked about how it is very unlikely to go into a place like Spokane and make as many mistakes as we did and expect to win,” coach Kanyon Anderson said.
“I was pleased with our ability to fight back and get the draw.”
The Pirate men closed out their nonconference slate with wins over Spokane and South Region champion Clark, and a tie against defending West champion Highline.
The PC women defeated 2015 South champion Lane, and fell to defending West champion Highline before tying Spokane.
Both teams open North Region play Saturday at Shoreline where the Peninsula women (1-1-1) face the Dolphins (2-0-0) at noon and the PC men (2-0-1) meet the hosts (1-1-0) at 2:15 p.m.
