The South Whidbey High School soccer team took on the conference’s best and lost 5-0 at King’s Thursday, Sept. 27.

The Falcons yielded only six goals in seven matches coming into the game.

“Our team played a strong game and showed why these players are such a joy to coach,” coach Terry Swanson said. “King’s has a very strong program that plays a style of soccer we are learning to play — pressure quickly and provide multiple passing options through movement off the ball.”

The Knights took advantage of several South Whidbey mistakes early in the match and quickly jumped to a 3-0 lead. The margin grew to 5-0 at halftime.

“Our team goal in our half-time meeting was to try to win the second half of play,” Swanson said. “We kept them scoreless over the final 40 minutes and created several scoring opportunities.”

The Falcons adjusted to the speed of the game in the second half, Swanson said, and learned that they can change the outcome of a play by applying “high pressure defense over the entire field.”

Swanson likes how his club has fought through injuries and adversity this season.

“They have had to adjust to losing their starting goalkeeper, striker, two midfielders and centerback,” he said. “Last night we started four freshmen and two sophomores, who played almost all 80 minutes against King’s.

“Our junior and senior players are providing strong leadership on and off the field.”

South Whidbey (2-2, 4-4) plays a non-league match at Friday Harbor (4-0-2) at 1:45 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29.

That is followed by critical conference games as the Falcons fight for a postseason berth.

Cedar Park Christian (3-2, 6-4), which beat South Whidbey 2-1 Sept. 11, visits Langley at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 2.

Granite Falls (3-1, 3-4-1) comes to town for a 7 p.m. match Thursday, Oct. 4.