Despite having battled its way through two loser-out matches, South Whidbey boys soccer still faces in an uphill climb in the bi-district tournament.

The Falcons played Seattle Academy Tuesday afternoon after The Record’s deadline. If the Falcons win, they move to another loser-out game against Mount Baker. Another win would result in a berth to the class 1A state championships.

The Falcons have history with Seattle Academy, having beaten the team in the bi-district tournament 3-1 last season. It was in that match where Falcon head coach Emerson Robbins saw unnecessary fouls that eventually resulted in an injury to the Falcons’ top scorer, Andy Zisette. In a phone interview Monday, Robbins said he hoped that wouldn’t happen again.

“There were some dirty fouls that resulted in a very serious injury to one of our top players and probably cost us a state championship,” Robbins said.

“I’m concerned because of what happened last year,” he added. “It was unnecessary that it kept happening and that the referee didn’t control the game.”

Robbins was also upset with the Washington Interscholastic Athletics Association about the fact that Seattle Academy was able to bypass its district tournament and advance directly to bi-districts.

“All they have to do is win two games, while we have to win five,” Robbins said. “It’s just unfair to these boys.”

“I don’t know how the WIAA allows it,” he added.

If nothing else, the Falcons have momentum on their side. South Whidbey defeated Meridian 4-0 to advance from the district tournament. All four goals were in the second half, two of which were scored by freshmen Graham Colar and Michael Lux. The other two were scored by Max Cassee’ and Lucas Leiberman.

Leiberman and Colar lead the team with 10 goals apiece this season. Lux is close behind with nine.