Coupeville Sports

Aram Leyva shoots up the field, on the way to another goal. (Pat Kelley photos)

Matthew Kelley (middle) fights for position with Snohomish United players.

The Coupeville gunners are alive and kicking.

Powered by high-scoring Cow Town residents Aram Leyva and Matthew Kelley, the Whidbey Islanders BU13 FC 01 soccer squad is cruising along at 7-1-2 on the season.

The Islanders head into a showdown for second-place in their 12-team league with a road game at Tracyton Nov. 22, then close the regular season with a make-up game in Oak Harbor Dec. 6.

Whidbey won its most recent game, bouncing visiting Snohomish United 2-1 Nov. 15.

Leyva punched in the first goal of the game, launching a 25-foot shot from the right side.

Kelley tacked on a score mere moments later, squeezing between two defenders and popping a hard shot into the far corner of the net.

Snohomish rallied a bit in a very physical game, scoring on a penalty kick re-do.

Its first shot was blocked, but an Islander strayed into the box early, giving United renewed life.

After that, it was all about the defense, as Whidbey shut down the field and held on for the crucial win.