The Highline Pirates visited the Tyee Totems in boy’s varsity soccer on Friday night, April 22. The game was at 7:30 p.m. at Highline Stadium (Tyee’s home game however)

First Half

The Pirates pulled off the win by putting in three goals in the first twenty minutes. Tyee responded with two more in the first half, but could not convert the equalizer in Highline’s 3 -2 win.

The first goal came from Highline’s Edgar Martinez at the ten minute mark followed by teammate Cody Wadleigh’s volley ten minutes later.

A loose ball bounced just inside the 18-yard line and Wadleigh crashed on the ball with two Tyee defenders on either side. All three had a foot in the mix but Wadleigh’s boot came through with a volley past Tyee’s keeper, putting the Pirates up 2-0.

Less than a minute later Martinez broke clean from Tyee’s back line, running onto a through ball from the midfield and carrying it with pace until Tyee’s keeper committed to coming off his line. Martinez coolly slotted the ball past the keeper to the upper right at about 15 yards out, putting in his second goal of the night and putting his team up by a generally insurmountable 3 – 0.

Two minutes later Tyee began chipping away at their deficit.

Eduardo Pelyo created enough space on the right flank to send a header-height cross into Highline’s box. A Tyee player went up for the header, missing out on solid contact but forcing Highline’s goalie to leave his feet in anticipation of a shot on goal. Instead, the ball glanced to the far post where Tyee’s Zachi Mohammud was standing unmarked. It took only a tap of the ball to get Tyee on the board; 3 – 1.

With 13 minutes left in the first half Pelyo and Mohammud connected again. Pelyo send in a high cross from the right and Mohammud went airborne, elevating above Highline’s defenders and keeper to send a point-blank header into the net from about six yards out.

A rallying shout of “New game white, lets go,” came from Tyee’s coach John Yellam as Tyee was suddenly very much back in the game.

Highline’s Martinez broke free at the half line again with nine minutes remaining in the first, but a mistouch forced him to slow his run, allowing Tyee’s defenders to recover and dismantle the one-on-one opportunity.

With seconds left in the first half Tyee’s Mohammud had a solid shot on frame from about 15 yards out by Highline’s keeper was well positioned and cushioned the shot with his chest, keeping their lead intact.

Tyee kept the pressure on after putting in their second goal, but were unable to find and equalizer. Their greatest success was found working the ball to the outside and then sending crosses into the box to create their chances. Highline remained effective with counterattack through balls up the middle, utilizing their front line speed to create several opportunities.

Second Half

In the second half Highline came out strong, taking several shots on goal and controlling the ball with crisp passes in the middle in the first fifteen minutes. Tyee’s back line saved several one-on-ones with the goalie by catching Highline forwards offsides.

Tyee created their best chances by counterattacking down the flanks, but could not get that final pass off for an open shot.

Tyee had three set play chances in the final ten minutes where they sent in dangerous, curling crosses but Highline protected their lead by bringing everyone back on defense and were able to clear the ball.

“You can’t put yourself in a hole like that and then expect to climb out of it,” Tyee coach Yellam said after the game.

“Neither team could generate any offense or any scoring in the second half, but we played well,” Highline coach Tim Crawley said.