Coupeville Sports

  Islanders (left to right) Jenn Spark, Kendra Warwick and Anni Field, during an earlier 3 on 3 tournament. (Kali Barrio photo)

Ayla Muller

“We had the toughest match-up we’ve ever faced today.”

That was about all GU19 Whidbey Islanders select soccer coach Sean LeVine could say, after watching his squad be dismantled by one of the best teams in the country.

Playing on day one of the prestigious NCSAA College Showcase Tournament in Puyallup, the Islanders drew the Washington Premier FC ECNL, a team that competes nationally at the highest level possible in US youth soccer.

Not surprisingly, the Islanders fell, hard, to the #9 team in the entire nation, losing 6-0.

But even in the team’s worst loss in three years, there were positives.

A strong second half, when the Islanders gave up just one goal, and the return of goalie Ayla Muller, who played for the first time in a year after recovering from a torn ACL, were highlights.

“It was tough,” LeVine said. “We held them solidly for a good 15 minutes, but once the first goal went in we became a little hesitant and let too many unchallenged crosses into our box.

“(Starting goaltender) Kenzie (Perry) did what she could, but all goals were scored from point blank range,” he added. “Second half was much better, as I abandoned a new formation our team had never played before and our players relaxed a bit.”

While it was a tough loss to absorb, it will make the Islanders a better team.

“It was a great lesson for our players,” LeVine said. “Our defense is not used to going up against players with dribbling skill, speed, and perfectly timed runs. This game highlighted our weaknesses and will make us better.

“In the mean time we are licking our wounds in the hotel room, but everyone seems to be in good spirits.”

The Islanders return to action Saturday when they face Tacoma FC, a team they tied earlier this season. They wrap up the three-day tourney Sunday against Chinook FC from Canada.

The tournament is played in front of a large group of college coaches and offers players a chance to get on the recruiting radar of college programs.