PORT TOWNSEND — The East Jefferson girls soccer team closed out its season with a 5-2 senior night loss to Kingston at Memorial Field.
“Not the result we were looking for,” coach Robert Cantley said. “We started slowly, and they scored within two minutes and got their second a few minutes after that on lapses in the defense giving the ball away.”
East Jefferson freshman Ava Shiflett scored goals for her squad in each half.
“The first was a good passing move through the midfield with Claire Johnson and Leah Harrison combining on the play,” Cantley said. “The second came on a penalty after a handball.”
Cantley said Kingston’s goalkeeper was on her game.
“We played well and created a boatload of opportunities but could not finish them,” Cantley said. “All credit to their goalie; she was lights-out back there and kept them in the game.”
East Jefferson (3-6) finished with wins over Olympic, Kingston and Sequim.
“Our passing game has been an improvement and it’s something that we have kind of lacked in the past,” Cantley said. “With a young team, not losing too many seniors, the future looks pretty bright for us. I think all the girls feel pretty positively about the season. Other coaches have said how impressed they are with our growth.”
East Jefferson saluted seniors Nylah Garling, Sorina Johnston, Sarah Marx and Katie Clark.
“Both Sorina and Katie alternated in goal all season. They were our captains, one Port Townsend girl and one Chimacum girl. They were leaders and inspirational upperclassmen,” Cantley said. “Unfortunately for Sarah and Nylah, they had surgeries in the offseason and really didn’t get to play during the season, but they came on for 10 minutes in the game.”
Port Angeles 3, Klahowya 2
SILVERDALE — The Roughriders shook off an uncharacteristically slow start and an early two-goal deficit to knock off second-place Klahowya 3-2 and seal the Olympic League North Division title.
“We weren’t mentally focused at the start of the game, and the score line reflected that,” Riders coach Scott Moseley said.
Port Angeles went behind 1-0 in the eighth minute on a 20-yard shot from a Klahowya forward. The same forward curled in a corner kick in the 12th minute, putting PA behind 2-0.
“We were a little stunned to be down so quickly, but 2-0 is a dangerous lead for teams. A team can get get too complacent,” Moseley said.
True to form, the Riders earned their first goal in the 18th minute when Millie Long took a central pass from Anna Petty and drilled an 18-yard shot over the Klahowya keeper.
Jada Cargo-Acosta and Long combined in the 31st minute to earn the equalizer — a shot from the left side that snuck past a diving goalie.
“The second goal was huge for us. It pushes us into halftime tied, and we felt like things were back to normal,” Moseley said.
The Riders withstood Klahowya’s attempts to retake the lead as central defender Eve Burke put together another strong game and repeatedly broke up the Eagles’ attacks.
Klahowya ended the game with six shots on goal while Port Angeles notched eight.
“Our defense has been strong all year, and although they were not at their best today, we improved as the game progressed,” Moseley said.
He also highlighted the play of goalkeeper Saylah Commerton, who had a number of solid saves and clearances.
Port Angeles took the lead for good in the 51st minute on Long’s third goal of the game.
Midfielder Mia Gagnon cleared a ball to Long, who beat a defender and calmly finished with a low shot to the keeper’s left.
It was Long’s 15th goal of the season and the 86th of her Roughriders’ career.
“In order to preserve the lead, I moved Anna Petty to right back and dropped Millie centrally. We defended really well the rest of the game, and Anna was a big part of that,” Moseley said.
Port Angeles (9-1) repeated as Olympic League champions with the win.
The Riders visit South Division champs Central Kitsap, a Class 3A powerhouse that finished third at state in 2019, today.
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Sports reporter Michael Carman can be contacted at 360-406-0674 or mcarman@peninsuladaily news.com.
