Soccer to State!

As the only high school in the NEA League (1A) to have a Girls’ Soccer team, our Lakeside ladies must “play up” in the GNL (2A). The Eagles proved early in the season that they were a contender for post season play. In September the Eagles played powerhouse Pullman and lost 1 - 0 in the last three minutes of the game. This demonstrated that the Eagles could compete with the best the GNL had to offer.

Our Eagles gave a true team effort all season. The team lost a key player (a senior goal keeper) early, due to an ACL injury;a returning varsity midfielder, graciously stepped into this role. Each player had a role and a responsibility that contributed to the team’s success, earning them a berth to the State Tournament.

In their first game of Regionals, the Eagles dominated Cascade, 6 - 0. This placed them in the winner’s bracket, traveling to play Brewster. Mentally, this would be an important game for the team. Last year, eighth seed Brewster, pulled an upset win over the Eagles by a score of 1-0 in a game very much dominated by Lakeside. However, this year’s game with Brewster resulted in a 2-1 win, sending Lakeside to Wenatchee to play undefeated Cashmere for the Regional Title and seeding to State. In the Cashmere game, Lakeside scored early in the first half, then maintained the lead for a 2-1 victory for Lakeside.

Our Eagles started the State Tournament on home turf, hosting the game at Lakeside Middle School. They faced Naches Valley who had placed Fourth at State last year. Much to the surprise of the Eagles, Naches Valley scored within the first thirty seconds of the game. The score, Lakeside 0, Naches Valley 1, held until after the half. During the halftime break, the Eagles banded together and became focused on the adjustments that needed to be made. This resulted in a major comeback, with Lakeside scoring four goals, winning the game 4 - 1!

In the Quarter Finals of the State Tournament, Lakeside faced last year’s First Place team, Seattle Christian, at Gonzaga Prep. The Eagles again found themselves down at the half, 0 - 1. This time, the Eagles took a risk by playing with only two defenders in the back field instead of the traditional four. With this approach, they could push more of an offense and challenge their opponent’s defense. It was not to be. Seattle Christian scored two more goals and won, 3 - 0.
The 2007 season proved to be the most successful in Lakeside’s Girls’ Soccer. Through an incredible team effort, the ladies made a deep foray into the State Tournament. They say goodbye to eight seniors. Their spirit, work ethic, and love of the game will be missed!