Waterman Field was hot Monday, and it wasn’t because the weather was warm.
Coming off a needed win over Blaine Saturday, the South Whidbey High School boys soccer team earned a big 4-2 upset over the Lakewood Cougars Monday.
Coming into the game Monday, Lakewood was ranked second in the North Cascades Conference, while South Whidbey was fourth in the standings.
The Falcons lost 2-1 to the Cougars on April 4 on what was possibly the most controversial call of the season. A goal by sophomore midfielder Ben Walker didn’t count as the ball went in the net and out the back on Lakewood’s home field.
Out for revenge Monday, the Falcons weren’t going to let any of Lakewood’s tricks work on their home turf.
In the first half with 10 minutes remaining, Walker handed out a sweet payback by scoring the first goal of the game. Senior Adam Jaffe was quickly to follow him in the half, putting a second ball in the net.
Back for the match against Lakewood was senior defender Abe Smith-Groening, who has been injured most of the season. His return, according to Falcon coach Fran Einterz, was good for the team.
“Having him back really lifted everyone’s spirits,” he said. “It was the first game all year that everyone was healthy.”
A happy disposition was not apparent in the Cougars or their fans in their stands. A Cougar player drew a yellow card almost halfway through the game for unsportsmanlike conduct, and the referee pulled both the player and a Lakewood coach aside for verbal reprimands.
In the second half, sophomore Kevin Dunigan scored the Falcons’ third and winning goal. Luis Garcia, who scored his first goal of the season last week, could not wipe the smile off his face when he nailed the fourth South Whidbey goal for insurance.
South Whidbey climbs to 8-5 in the NCC and the Cougars drop to 11-2 overall.
It was the second home win of the week for the Falcons. South Whidbey hosted Blaine on Saturday and won the match 4-1. Jaffe had his second hat trick in a week in the game, and Garcia tallied one goal.
The Falcons have three games remaining in their regular season schedule.
