Coupeville Sports

Micky LeVine scored one of Whidbey’s two goals Saturday. (John Fisken photo)

Racked by injuries and game-day absences, the GU19 Whidbey Islanders select soccer squad is getting used to playing games with no subs this season.

Field enough players to go (or sometimes, play a man or two down) and they’ll go the full 90 minutes and push you hard. But, it wouldn’t hurt to have a full roster.

“This season has been really tough so far,” said Islanders coach Sean LeVine. “But I believe we have the talent to succeed despite that and we have been in every game.”

Saturday was a case in point, as Whidbey played host Newport FC almost evenly before fatigue and a few bad breaks sent it to a tough 4-2 loss.

Even in defeat, the Islanders had moments of brilliance, with both of their goals being highlight-reel material.

The first one came off the toe of Hailey Erbe, who took a beautifully-slotted through pass from teammate Gillian Crossley and beat the Newport goaltender.

“Their defense incorrectly tried an offsides trap leaving her one-on-one with their keeper,” LeVine said. “Hailey expertly shot the ball into the side netting, freezing their keeper.”

The Islanders struck again when they pulled out their secret weapon — the cannon-like arm of Alyssa Cross.

Airmailing a throw-in, Cross dropped it right in front of the goal, allowing the ever-sneaky Micky LeVine to slide in and punch the ball into the back of the net mere seconds before being bowled over by an uppity Newport defender.

“Alyssa can really throw a ball and it always takes the other team by surprise,” Sean LeVine said with a touch of pride in his voice.

Newport broke the game open with a couple of goals off of plays where the Islanders had no chance to get to the ball, but overall the Islanders stood up well against a constant onslaught.

Whidbey goalie Kenzie Perry recorded an eye-popping 14 saves, while LeVine gave big props to Cross, Lydia Peplinski and Vivien Valles for their hustle and willingness to fight through their fatigue.

The Islanders return to action next Saturday, Jan. 31, when they travel to Renton to play Kent United. Hopefully with a full roster.