Coupeville Sports

   Becca Pabona (far right, blue coat) was smiling Saturday, as well, after she scored her team’s lone goal. (Kali Barrio photo)

It was iron woman soccer.

Playing minus four sick booters (Selena Medina, Ayla Muller, Emily Miesle and Cassie Neil) the Whidbey Islanders GU17 soccer squad had a painfully empty bench Saturday. Still, even without subs, they held their own and eked out a 1-1 tie with visiting Seattle United West.

Now 1-2-2 on the season, the Islanders were led by goalie Kenzie Perry, who played virtually flawlessly while pulling the entire 90 minutes in net. Whidbey coach Sean LeVine also singled out the commitment of Morgan Zylstra (“Played three different positions today and played them well! Great hustle!”) and gave the team’s hustle award to Erin Rosenkranz.

“She came back from her illness as a force!,” LeVine said. “Erin played all over the field today and did not appear to get tired. She played aggressive and refused to give up.”

Rosenkranz had a cross to Becca Pabona that came “a gnat’s toe” away from being poked into the back of the net, but Pabona hit pay dirt later when she hooked up with teammate Vivien Valles for their team’s lone score.

“Vivien scrapped her way into the box, leaving her victims shocked and weeping as she refused to let that ball out,” LeVine said.

Pabona finished with a half-volley, punching the ball past the flailing goalie.

LeVine came away satisfied with his team’s play, especially in light of the complete lack of firepower off the bench.

“Despite having zero substitutes today, they all played very hard and we still out-hustled and out-possessed them,” he said. “They fought through some pain and kept us in the game.”

The Islanders return to action with a game Sunday, Jan. 20, hopefully with more players available.