SEDRO-WOOLLEY — Port Angeles stood toe-to-toe with No. 2 Burlington-Edison in the first round of the Class 2A girls soccer tournament, tying the Tigers in regulation only to fall on a golden goal in overtime 2-1.
The 15th-seeded Roughriders (13-4-0) came in as the clear underdog to No. 2 Burlington-Edison (16-2-1), but coach Scott Moseley said his team was able to defend well throughout the game, forcing the Tigers into many mistakes.
“The game plan was to do what we do well,” Moseley said. “Defend well, frustrate them and earn a goal on a counter attack.”
Moseley said the plan worked to perfection when Lily Sanders won the ball in the Tigers’ defense in the 30th minute, passed to Bailee Larson, who sent a hard cross to forward Piper Williams at the far post for the easy finish from close distance.
Riders goalkeeper Saylah Commerton made a number of early saves in the game in blustery conditions which helped set the tone for the defense.
“It was a difficult night to hang on to the ball, but Saylah played her heart out and had an outstanding game,” Moseley said.
Burlington-Edison equalized in the 48th minute.
The Tigers had a free kick from deep in the Rider defensive end that was headed in. Port Angeles defenders complained to the referee that Commerton was interfered with, but the goal stayed on the scoreboard.
The Riders nearly took the lead in the 59th minute on a 25-yard shot from Larson. Burlington-Edison’s goalkeeper batted it down, and, although it appeared to cross the line, according to Moseley, the assistant referee did not award the goal.
The Tigers continued to push for the winning goal in regulation but were unable to break through the Rider defense. Moseley highlighted the midfield play of Anna Petty, who was able to stop a number of attacks with slide tackles and smart defense.
Burlington-Edison finished the game with 10 shots while the Riders had four.
In overtime, the Tigers earned a corner kick two minutes in and picked up a goal following rough play in the box.
The goal ended the Riders season, which included a third Olympic league title led by a tough defense that earned 11 shutouts — including eight shutouts in a row — and a goals against average that were each good for second-best all time in program history.
“It was a really good season. We overcame a lot during the year to reach most of our goals, and to end battling a top team over the course of regulation was a real accomplishment,” Moseley said.
