bellevue vs Issaquah - 9.22.26

bellevue 2 - 2 Issaquah

19th min 0-1 Issy goal

21st min 0-2 Issy goal

23rd min 1-2 Saleen (Mack)

52nd min 2-2 Aleah (Saleen)

Well, that was fun. Although competitors don't like ties, our sport has a culture of the occasional tied game ("occasional" is a very kind word choice). For many American sports fans, a tied scoreline might be interpreted as evidence of something foreign or lacking in our game; but I strongly disagree, soccer reflects life, and sometimes in life you win, sometimes you lose, and sometimes both sides pick themselves up from the canvas, bloodied and bruised, and the referee raises both gloves to indicate a draw. Full effort, evenly matched, no decision. So it was in our 2-2 draw with undefeated 4A powerhouse Issaquah.

The early pace of the game was quick and competitive as both teams pressed high and squeezed the midfield spaces; however, to both teams credit, after repelling an opponent's attack, both teams did their best to control possession, skillfully recycling the ball through the back four looking for vulnerabilities. Yes, both teams resorted to some boom ball & chase tactics at times, but it was clear that Issaquah preferred to play with the ball on the ground, as do we. This wasn't surprising at all. Issaquah sets up their team in a very similar way to Bellevue: similar starting formation, similar pressing patterns, similar set piece strategies, quick wingers, strikers that play dedicated defense, tough ball-winning midfield pivots, fullbacks always looking to overlap down the wings, anchored by poised center backs comfortable in possession and good in the air and an excellent pair of goalkeepers. It was spiderman pointing at spiderman. 

And then the goals arrived. In the 19th minute, Issaquah had a free kick from 35 yards away on their right wing. The initial cross was cleared by Maggie at the near post with a deflected header towards the far side of the box where Tanna made the only decision available to her: attack the spinning short hop ball with a header (it was a very difficult ball to deal with in a crowded area..), but instead of clearing the lines, the ball ricocheted back into the mosh pit in front of goal. One-touch reactionary lay-off pass from an Issy player to set up her better-positioned teammate in the scrum, and we were trailing 1-0. It was a good finish and a clever intinctual assist. Two minutes later, it was 0-2, this time we repeated our communication challenges from our North Creek concession last week (but from two entirely different players...apparently lessons are best learned first hand), both attempting to clear the same innocuous bouncing ball deep in our defensive third, getting in each other's way, and only half-clearing the ball directly to a charging Eagles midfielder. Two quick passes and the ball found the Issy striker who blasted a controlled shot to the upper corner of the net from 18 yards. Quality finish. Both Issy goals had a whiff of self-infliction, but to Issaquah's credit, both goals were clean, composed, strong shots. They took their opportunities when they got them, and they had us on the ropes. The opposing stands were roaring for more, loudly celebrating their team's momentum.    

But then the music changed. The comeback chorus swelled in the background. Mikey wouldn't throw in the towel. Raw eggs. Scalpel. Eye of the Tiger. Just two minutes after the second Issaquah goal, we pulled one back. Hailey pressed from the right wing forcing a turn-over that Mack gladly accepted near the center circle before slipping a gorgeous through-ball to Saleen in space behind the last defender. The Issy goalie threw herself in front of Saleen's initial shot, but the ball bounced back off Saleen and behind the keeper, leaving an open goal that Saleen happily filled with joyful calm. 1-2 Issy. No celebration, just grab the ball and prepare to go again. From body language alone, it was clear that we had hurt the Eagles (metaphorically, of course). The remainder of the half their knees were wobbly, nerves were jangling, their turn-over rate increased, and we pressed hard for an equalizer. We entered halftime a goal down, but we had snatched back the momentum when the game could've gotten completely out of control after their second goal. 

Our halftime session was productive; players analyzed the situation and took responsibility for fixing it. We made several rotational substitutions and restarted the second half with an earnest belief that we'd find the equalizer. And then we did. In the 52nd minute, we earned a corner kick and Saleen sent a lightning bolt of glorious precision into the goal box that Aleah met with a thunder-header that threatened to break the net. Joyous sonic boom. 2-2 and we were all square with all to play for. 

The remainder of the game, and the two-five minute golden goal overtime periods that followed, reminded me of Rocky and Apollo trading haymakers in the 15th round. First Issy would launch an attack that we'd absorb (sometimes with our chin), then we'd put together our own series of uppercuts, jabs and ferocious bodyblows. And back again. At the final bell, both teams left the field satisfied that they had given it their all, but slightly sad that a final kick hadn't found the back of the net in time to turn a draw into a victory. No decision. Draw. Two raised fists.    

The final scenes reminded me why I love high school sports so much. There were hugs and photos between Eagles and Wolverines, club teammates for most of the year, rivals in high school, but soccer friends at the final whistle. Then a wave of HoCo proposals: punny signs, awkward hugs, and more sweet photos. Finally, as I was instructing the girls to hydrate and eat well in order to recover before our next game, a box of doughnuts was passed around and we all succumbed to the sugary goodness. There's a time for quinoa, protein and crisp veggies, but sometimes a fluffy VooDoo with friends, family and teammates is the perfect ending to a fun, but demanding night. 

On Thursday we travel to Mt. Si (for the third year in a row...sigh...the mysteries of high school sports scheduling). The Wildcats are the undefeated defending 4A champions. They play a competitive physical brand of soccer that is completely different from Issaquah (and ours). We'll take a deep breath, recover over the next 48 hours, and get ready to go again.  

Thank you to our supporters last night, the energy was electric all night. 

See you all on Thursday.

Peter