SILVERDALE — Port Angeles was up for the task against Class 3A powerhouse Central Kitsap, but the Roughriders were unable to come away with a win in a 2-0 loss to the Cougars in the Northwest Region girls soccer final.
The game matched Port Angeles, winners of the Olympic League’s North Division in this COVID-shortened season, against Central Kitsap, winners of the South Division.
“Playing CK for the title was a big reach for us, but we competed well, had numerous chances and limited a team that has averaged nearly six goals a game to only two,” said coach Scott Moseley.
Central Kitsap (11-0) finished third at the state 3A championships in 2019 and was expecting to contend for a.
After a scoreless first 25 minutes, the Cougars broke through for their first goal. A ball was played wide and deep in the Rider defense and the cross found Central Kitsap sophomore Ella Smith who calmly scored from 15 yards.
The second goal, four minutes later, followed a flurry of crosses and shots which Port Angeles was unable to clear. Central Kitsap was able to find the back of the net from 15 yards in.
The Riders’ defense then tightened up and held the Cougars scoreless the rest of the game.
Moseley said much of that credit goes to goalkeeper Saylah Commerton, who ended the night with 9 saves.
“Saylah had a great game. Lots of saves, sure hands and good talk organizing our defense,” he said. The Cougars ended the game with 14 shots and 12 on goal while Port Angeles had seven with four on goal.
Port Angeles’ best chances came on four first half shots by Millie Long that went just wide or were saved by the Central Kitsap goalkeeper. A late second-half Long free kick sailed over the bar.
In spite of the loss, Moseley pointed out there were many highlights to the season including winning the Olympic League North, beating Klahowya twice and being undefeated at home.
The Riders (9-2) have a two year home unbeaten streak and hold an overall record of 25-5-1 over that time.
The game was the last for five Port Angeles seniors, including all-time leading scorer Millie Long. Long finishes her career with 86 goals over four seasons.
Football Shelton 63, Port Angeles 6
SHELTON — Jacob Felton’s 69-yard touchdown run provided the only score for the Riders in a season-ending loss to the Highclimbers on Thursday.
Port Angeles turned the ball over six times and mustered 58 yards on offense in the loss.
The Riders finished the abbreviated season 2-2.
