Coupeville Sports

Aram Leyva surveys the field, looking for an opening. (Pat Kelley photo)

Whatever home field advantage they had disappeared in the rain.

With Ft. Nugent turned into a mud bowl by a torrential downpour Saturday, the North Whidbey Deception boys’ soccer squad couldn’t stay afloat.

Surrendering three second-half goals while trying to defend a side of the field that had become a pit of grime and despair, the booters fell 4-2 to the Strikers.

Both of North Whidbey’s goals came courtesy of its Coupeville contingent.

Matthew Kelley set up Aram Leyva in the first half for a goal that knotted things at 1-1, before getting his own score later.

Kelley’s goal came courtesy of an assist from fellow Coupeville Middle School 7th grader Jake Mitten.

Up 2-1 at the break, things were looking good, but that changed quickly after the Deception returned to the field.

With every ball disappearing into the muck and mire, the defense was continually frustrated and balls started to slip and slide through the gaps, allowing the visitors to escape with the win.

North Whidbey gets a chance at redemption next Saturday, when it stares down Island rival South Whidbey.