Coupeville Sports

A little team bonding before the big game. (Kali Barrio photos)

#1 fan Izzy LeVine and her lucky Scooby-Doo umbrella.

Team unity remains strong.

Sometimes a tie really is like a win.

Facing off with the undefeated number one team in their league Sunday, the GU17 Whidbey Islanders soccer squad dominated play in a wet, slippery game at Fort Nugent Park.

While the final score was a 0-0 draw with the visiting NSC Ultimatum ’95 out of Northshore, it felt like a win for Islander coach Sean LeVine.

“I’ll happily accept it today,” LeVine said. “This was a complete domination by our ladies.

“I don’t think our goal keepers had to make any hard saves today,” he added. “The other team, however, was forced to play in their own half for much of the game, and in their own box for a good chunk of the second half. Our girls were relentless at keeping the ball in front of their goal and getting several shots and crosses in.”

While none of the shots found the back of the net, it wasn’t for a lack of trying. Whidbey pressed the matter all game and even, inadvertently, took out the opposing net-minder.

“Every single one of our players contributed in some special way today with great passing, hustle, tenacity, defending, or great runs off the ball,” LeVine said. “Unfortunately, we did not get that deciding goal, but we did force their keeper into a brilliant diving save in the first half, and, unfortunately, she was taken out with an injury in the second when our striker, Matti Miesle, collided hard with her when they were both sliding for the ball.”

Playing for the final time at home this season, the Islanders left it all on the field. LeVine singled out his outside backs, Becca Pabona and Paige Waterman, for their play on both ends of the pitch, giving the duo the hustle award for the afternoon.

“They played amazing today in the back, but they were also the key to our success on the attack today as they came up and helped up front,” LeVine said.

He also lauded the play of center backs Jackie Ginnings and Jennifer Spark (“Those two center backs, combined with our phenom keepers, are the reason we are in every single game this season”) and Alyssa Cross and Kendra Warwick.

Despite playing out of position, Cross helped her teammate to control the middle of the field all game.

The Islanders wrap their season with a road game in Issaquah next Sunday, March 17.