Issaquah Eagles girls soccer head coach Tom Bunnell knew the Eastlake Wolves would be a formidable opponent despite their fifth-place standing in Class 4A KingCo League action before the two rivals faced off Oct. 16 in Issaquah.

The Wolves gave the Eagles all it could handle, but Issaquah (8-1-1) hung on for a crucial 2-1 victory when Annie Hoffman found the back of the net for the game-winning goal in the 74th minute of play. Issaquah bolted out to a 1-0 lead after Devan Talley’s goal in the seventh minute. Eastlake (5-4-2) tied the game at 1-1 on Anna Craig’s goal in the 71st minute. Bunnell was glad to see his team rebound considering Eastlake seized control after tying the game with nine minutes left in regulation.

“We were just determined to get the goal. Fortunately we got the goal and we needed it,” Bunnell said. “It was a huge win for us. Eastlake has been playing really well the last couple of weeks. Their record doesn’t give them the credit they deserve. They are truly a quality team.”

The Eagles faced the Mount Si Wildcats and Skyline Spartans in critical KingCo 4A contests this past week after the Reporter’s deadline. Bunnell said the matchups with the Wildcats and Spartans will go a long way in determining playoff positioning.

“We have these two massive games that kind of dictate where we are going to end up. We could finish undefeated in league play or by the end of the week we could be in third place,” Bunnell said.

Eastlake head coach Chuck Kreible was proud of his team’s performance despite the loss. The Eagles, who were ranked as the No. 4 girls soccer team in the Class 4A Division by MaxPreps.com, nearly saw their undefeated record in KingCo League action derailed by the Wolves.

“We played very well. I was a babbling fool after the game. I just kept saying well done. Our team just did a splendid job. I couldn’t be prouder,” Kreible said.

Shaun Scott: 425-453-5045; sscott@bellevuereporter.com