Backed by a defense that surrendered only two shots, the South Whidbey High School soccer team won 4-0 at Coupeville Tuesday, Oct. 1.

The win set up a showdown for first place in the North Sound Conference between the Falcons and King’s, both 4-0 in league. The teams meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3, at South Whidbey High School.

The Falcons broke a 19-match losing streak to the Knights with a 2-0 win over King’s late last season.

Freshman Simone White scored the first three goals in the Coupeville match, upping her season scoring total to 13. Eight other Falcons have scored this season, but none has more than three.

Two of White’s goals at Coupeville came in the first half; the first was assisted by Mallory Drye.

Midfielder Juliana Larson-Wickman scored her first goal of the season while wrapping up the scoring in Tuesday’s match. She drilled a shot from 35 yards out off an assist from Samantha Ollis.

Coupeville packed the box and “made it difficult to move the ball in the central area,” Swanson said. “We used our outside attacking midfielders to create space behind their fullback and make crosses to our interior players.”

It was at the other end of the field, however, that South Whidbey shined brightest.

“Overall, our team played strong defense,” coach Terry Swanson said, as the Falcons recorded their fifth shutout in seven matches this season.

“We were able to play our four freshmen significant minutes and help them develop their individual and team skills,” he added.

Ashton Helseth delivers a corner kick for the Falcons. (Photo by John Fisken)

Mallory Drye looks for an open teammate in Tuesday’s match. (Photo by John Fisken)

Lenience Gonzales puts the ball in play. (Photo by John Fisken)

Elizabeth Haines advances the ball for South Whidbey. (Photo by John Fisken)

Alison Papritz sets up the Falcon offense. (Photo by John Fisken)

Syndey Ollis takes possession against Coupeville. (Photo by John Fisken)