For the past two seasons, top prep girls soccer teams from Washington and Oregon have not crossed paths because of a schedule shift from the Oregon State Athletic Association that eliminated non-conference games.
In 2012, powerhouse programs from the neighboring states will again meet, starting September 7 at Issaquah High School.
The 3rd Washington/Oregon Showcase Invitational gets underway today when Bellarmine Prep (Tacoma) meets Tualatin at 3 p.m. and continues through Saturday evening.
Five of the top teams from the Pacific Northwest will be featured, including last year’s Washington 4A state champs from Skyline, the team they beat for the trophy in Bellarmine Prep of Tacoma and the Oregon 6A state title winners from Tualatin. Westview, another highly regarded squad from Oregon and Bunnell’s Eagles round out a field that should provide an early-season measuring stick.
“The atmosphere has been great when we’ve played those teams in the past,” Bunnell said. “It’s great because Tualatin is one of the top teams in the Northwest and probably nationally. Westview is very good as well.”
For Skyline, which has taken three of the past four 4A state championships including the 2009 title with a 2-1 win over Issaquah, the biggest challenge of the season may be managing expectations.
Gone are a trio of Division I talents in Tina Vargas, Dom Randle (who missed 2011 with an injury) and Maddie Christ, and coach Don Braman has only three seniors on this year’s roster. The Spartans’ head coach said the early signs have been encouraging and that a handful of players have already stepped into increased roles.
“To think that we are missing pieces, that simple metaphor, is the wrong mindset,” Braman said. “I don’t look at it like we’re trying to continue something. I look at it like we’re trying to start something.”
Brooke Holland and Brooke Bofto, a pair of junior midfielders, along with sophomores Lauren Carson and Amanda Johnson are all players Braman said could have an impact. Senior captains Lianna Simms, Rachel Shim and Anna Deweirdt will be counted on as well.
The Eagles, on the other hand, are loaded with an experienced roster that includes 10 seniors. That group is out to take one final run through the postseason after being bounced in the first round by Todd Beamer in 2011.
Tickets for the Washington/Oregon Showcase Invitational are $5 for students, $7 for adults or $10 for a weekend pass. All games are at Issaquah High School.
Friday, Sept. 7
Bellarmine Prep VS. Tualatin, 3 p.m.
Skyline VS Westview, 5:30 p.m.
Issaquah VS Tualatin, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 8
Bellarmine Prep VS Westview, Noon
Skyline VS Tualatin, 2:30 p.m.
Issaquah VS Westview, 5 p.m.
Contact and submissions: jsuman@bellevuereporter.com
