Shaking off a sluggish start, the South Whidbey High School soccer team slipped by host Sultan 2-1 Tuesday, Sept. 18.
“We came out very flat and we were not picking up our defensive marks or closing down space quickly,” coach Terry Swanson said. “Our lack of defensive pressure allowed Sultan to freely move the ball, and they had several scoring opportunities in the early minutes of the first half.”
Sultan (0-2, 2-4) scored on a breakaway at the 10-minute mark.
“That was a wake-up call to our team,” Swanson said.
From that point, the Falcons picked up the pace and played with more urgency.
South Whidbey increased its defensive pressure and began to grasp control of the match.
Strike Mikenna Wicher tied the match on a “beautiful” cross from Mallory Drye. The score was set up by the defensive effort of Karyna Hezel, who “played a very strong game,” Swanson said, in her return from an injury.
The contest had a playoff atmosphere, according to Swanson, and the intensity increased as each team searched for the go-ahead goal in the second half.
South Whidbey created several scoring opportunities after the break but failed to finish.
Meanwhile, the Falcon defense thwarted the Turks’ attack and did not allow one shot on goal during the second half.
Finally, Wicher struck again with only two minutes remaining. The freshman received a chip shot over the centerbacks and broke to the goal, drawing the keeper off her line.
“It was an exciting game to watch and the players elevated their level of play to achieve this victory,” Swanson said.
“Our central midfield played very well, controlling the center of the field and providing strong transition between or defense and offense,” he added. “Ashley Ricketts played with a head cold the entire game and worked well with her sister Kailey and Kelly Murnane.
“Mallory Drye and Lila McCleary made strong runs in the attacking midfielder position.
“Our team defense continues to be our foundation to success, and we will certainly be challenged on Thursday playing University Prep.”
After playing three straight road matches, the Falcons (1-1, 3-2) return home to face UP at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 20, in a non-league match.
