The second half of the season for the Mount Si girls’ soccer team started out strong, and there were thoughts of a repeat of 2008, when their undefeated run through the second half of the schedule propelled what had been a flat team in the first half to a league championship, its first in 20 years.
But a key factor was going to be whether the Wildcats would get enough offense to get it done. Unfortunately, that has been something which has been inconsistent this season, and last Thursday, October 21, the lack of it proved to be costly against the Interlake Saints.
Despite numerous golden opportunities in the second half, the Wildcats could not find the back of the net and fell 2-0 to a Saints team which is looking good this season and could be a 2A state playoff contender.
“That’s the story of our season, really. Can’t finish, can’t score,” said Mount Si coach Darren Brown. “I don’t know what to say, other than I’m speechless.”
The Wildcats had a number of good chances to start the game, but it was Interlake who made things happen when they needed it. First, in the 37th minute, just before halftime, the Saints’ Kaeleigh Randolph got the ball and ripped it up top past Wildcat goalie Carly Weidenbach and put Interlake into the lead going to the halftime whistle 1-0.
Then, the Saints’ senior goalkeeper stepped up in a big way. Mount Si had four excellent scoring opportunities within the second half, but Brenda Agus made several miraculous saves to keep her team in the lead. Several Wildcat players were responsible for those chances, including senior Hailey Conway and junior Laura Barnes. But nothing found the back of the net.
After Agus’ heroics, freshman Emma Bergstrom delivered the knockout blow, ripping a laser into the lower left corner of the net past Weidenbach in the 71st minute which sealed it up for an Interlake team which enhanced its chances for the 2A postseason with the win; the Saints play in the 2A playoffs.
Players and coaches, especially Brown, were visibly frustrated after the game; Brown’s postgame chat with the players was quite lengthy – nearly a half-hour, and the question now as the team comes into this week is whether the girls will respond to this defeat well. They will need to in order to make the postseason themselves, as they are in a fight for the final two slots to the 3A league tournament.
“It’s win two or out. That’s it,” Brown said.
Mount Si hosts their final home game of the regular season Thursday, with the team’s 11 seniors, including Weidenbach and Conway, being honored prior to the contest. The game is against Mercer Island, and a playoff spot will likely be on the line as the Islanders are also in that battle for the last postseason berths. Game time is 7:30.
