Eagles dominate Vikings in playoff opener

Issaquah earns shutout on the soccer pitch

The Issaquah Eagles displayed their dominance in the first round of the Wes-King 4A soccer playoffs in a showdown against the Lake Stevens Vikings.

Issaquah rolled to a 3-0 victory against Lake Stevens on Oct. 30 at Gary Moore Stadium in Issaquah. Issaquah will face the Redmond Mustangs in the Wes-King 4A championship game at 7 p.m. on Nov. 1 at Issaquah High School.

Issaquah players Natalie Perez (seventh minute), Sarah Kim (36th minute) and Chloe Huling (44th Minute) each scored a goal apiece in the triumph. Perez was thrilled to see her team put together a complete performance in all facets in the playoff opener.

“I thought we did a really good job of playing as a team. This was definitely a good start to the playoffs. We are now on the road to state. I am really excited,” Perez said.

Issaquah scored two other goals during the game but both were called back due to offsides. Issaquah goalie Chloe Lang had six saves between the posts, including an acrobatic save in the 40th minute on a Lake Stevens shot attempt that nearly sailed over her head and into the goal.

Issaquah head coach Kyle Tatro believes the sky is the limit for his team during this postseason run that has just begun.

“When you play a good game like that, of course, it gives you confidence. The strength of our team is the relationships amongst everyone on the team. That is really the foundation for all of the success for us. We just fight for each other. That has been the key,” Tatro said.

Perez echoed Tatro’s sentiment following the game.

“I think we’re more than just a team, we are a family. We can take this all the way. I truly believe in this team and love every single person with all of my heart,” Perez said.