Pitch action is heating up. (Julie Wheat photo)
The growth is evident.
While a very-young Coupeville High School boys’ soccer squad wasn’t able to overcome eternal pitch powerhouse Mount Vernon Christian Friday, the Wolves put up a substantial fight in a 5-0 home loss.
After surviving heat stroke-level weather in its last game, the battle with the Hurricanes was played out on a cool prairie evening, as well.
“I saw something new out of the team,” CHS coach Jim Kunz said. “Captains Solomon Rudat and Sage Arends led from beginning to end.
“Their energy and perseverance motivated the whole team.”
MVC, a perennial playoff contender, always comes strong, but the Wolves made the ‘Canes work for their win.
“We had plenty of shots on goal,” Kunz said. “Some didn’t land, but they also had a solid goalie.”
Coupeville’s coach was also impressed with the effort his defense put up.
“Veterans Wyatt Fitch-Marron and Shiloh Sandlin worked beautifully together at center defense,” Kunz said. “(While) 8th graders Josh Richards and Aiden Wheat at outside defense proved they deserve to be on the team shutting down player after player.
“MVC has some very powerful forwards who, when given the chance, sent rockets at goalie Sam Richards,” he added.
“But after every save Sam jumped up ready to protect the goal.”
Coupeville, which sits at 1-3 on the season, gets back at it next week with two games.
The Wolves travel to La Conner Wednesday, Sept. 24, then return to Mickey Clark Field Sept. 26 to host Providence Classical Christian.
That second game is part of a Homecoming doubleheader, with soccer kicking off at 3:00 PM, followed by CHS football hosting Cedar Park Christian-Bothell at 7:00.
Coupeville Sports 
Shout out to the MVC squad – they’re true gentlemen. Seeing both teams intermingle after the match, catching up and joking around was like a picture of what sport is all about. One MVC player even chatted good-naturedly with our family all the way out to the parking lot. Proud of both squads!