The Enumclaw High soccer crew saw its 2009 campaign come to a disappointing close Saturday afternoon.
The Hornets fell 2-0 to North Kitsap in West Central District tournament action at Harry Lang Stadium in Lakewood.
Enumclaw, after finishing the South Puget Sound League 3A schedule 4-1-3, completed the season with an overall mark of 8-6-4. Coach Skip Ashley admitted everyone was disappointed following Saturday’s loss but predicted his players will come to realize they had put together a “special season.”
Ashley said the North Kitsap squad registered only two shots on goal, but made them count Saturday in Lakewood.
North Kitsap scored in the 17th minute when Ashe Carlson lofted a quality shot high and over the head of EHS keeper Pierce Beigh, finding the right corner of the net.
The second goal came in the 55th minute on what Ashley politely termed a “surprising call” by an official some 40 yards away from the play. With the ball near the end line, the official ruled Beigh pushed a North Kitsap player, resulting in a penalty kick. Marco Lopez connected and North Kitsap shifted into a strictly-defensive mode, running out the remainder of the game clock.
The victory sent North Kitsap into the state tournament round of 16. The Poulsbo school, now 13-2-2 on the season, will open state play against Seattle Prep.
Reach Kevin Hanson at khanson@courierherald.com or 360-802-8205.