Coupeville Sports

  In this photo from May (when it was much warmer), two of Sunday’s heroes are on the ends. Far left is Jennifer Spark, far right Paige Waterman. (Kali Barrio photo)

Patience, control and anticipation.

That’s what Whidbey Islanders GU18 soccer coach Sean LeVine was looking for from his players as they headed back into competition, and they delivered Sunday.

Sparked by an improved defense that shut down the visiting Tracyton Velocity, the Islanders rode a goal from Paige Waterman to a 1-0 victory, their first (of hopefully many) wins in 2014.

Waterman’s game-breaking score came off of a corner kick by Jennifer Spark, and the duo were among the players praised afterwards by their coach.

“I would like to recognize our entire defense today,” LeVine said.

Spark and Becca Pabona teamed to solidify the center of the field, while Alyssa Cross virtually shut down the left flank.

Morgan Zylstra was a wonder on both ends of the field, chipping in with solid defense, while also moving up and smashing several shots, including one that smacked off the post, narrowly missing being a second Islander goal.

Along with the stingy team-wide defense and inspired goal-scoring touch from Waterman, LeVine was also pleased with his girls sportsmanship.

Tracyton had a player go down with injury, and, with no subs, would have been a player down. Instead, the Islanders opted to pull one of their own players and went 10-on-10 the rest of the way.

“We didn’t have to do that, but I heard not one single question or complaint from our players,” LeVine said. “You stepped up to the challenge and kept playing hard! I love this team!”