Coupeville Sports

Josh Wilsey (right), seen here during a practice, had several strong shots on goal Tuesday. (Robert Pelant photo)

Wanted: A goal. Will do just about anything for one.

It might not have gotten that bad — yet — for the Coupeville High School boys’ soccer squad, but the frustration has to be building a bit.

After absorbing a 2-0 loss to South Whidbey in their home opener Tuesday, the Wolves have gone 320 minutes into a new season without finding the back of the net.

And while their defense has put up a good fight, twice losing just 1-0, something has to start clicking on the offensive side of the ball.

“We just need to keep working. We’re getting there, getting closer,” said Coupeville coach Paul Mendes. “We had our moments.”

Josh Wilsey almost banged in a header off of a throw-in midway through the second half, one of several strong looks he had at the net, and Jeremey Copenhaver had a nice shot on goal in the first half, but Falcon goaltender Andrew Holt played a fairly flawless game and blunted Coupeville’s best efforts.

The Wolves fought hard on the defensive side, with Brett Arnold using his face to stop one shot. The crack of ball against flesh could be heard all the way up in the top row of the bleachers.

Luke Pelant made a nice sliding tackle to save a potential break-away and Wolf goalie Kole Kellison made several strong saves, with both of the Falcon scores (Bryce Auburn and Steve Lyons) being ones that slipped through at the last second.

The Wolves, now 0-4, continue a road-heavy start to their season when they travel to Sultan Friday, March 29.

Coupeville plays five of its first seven on the road, then gets a stretch where five of six are at home, with the lone road game being a short jaunt to Langley April 16 for a rematch with the Falcons.