Senior Kole Kellison played superbly in goal in his final game as a Wolf. (John Fisken photo)
A goal here and there, and it might have been a far different season.
But, no matter how hard they played — and a senior-heavy team played with passion virtually every night — the Coupeville High School boys’ soccer squad couldn’t buy a break this season.
At the end of a season of one-goal losses, it was appropriate, and yet sad, that it all ended with yet another “almost,” as the Wolves fell 1-0 at Lynden Christian in a loser-out district playoff game Wednesday night.
The goal in question was a fluke, an own goal on a ball deflected off of a corner kick during a wild melee in front of the net in the game’s 20th minute.
After that, Coupeville threw everything they had against Lync goalie Brady Harvey, but couldn’t breach the net against the tournament’s top seed.
“It was a close one,” said Wolf coach Paul Mendes. “Both teams had good scoring chances throughout the match, but it remained a defensive battle.”
Wolf goaltender Kole Kellison made 11 saves to keep Coupeville in the game, and was hailed for his stellar play by the rival coach.
“Their keeper did a great job,” Lynden coach Brent De Ruyter was quoted in the Bellingham Herald.
While the loss, which left the Wolves at 3-14, was not what he hoped for, Mendes was pleased with the effort his team showed.
“We gave it our best shot and left it all on the field, no regrets,” Mendes said. “This was a fine group. They displayed great sportsmanship and represented their school very well all season long. What will stand out for me the most is their indomitable spirit.”
It was the final game in the red and black for Kellison, Nathan Lamb, Danny Savalza, Jacob Lovell, Josh Wilsey, Luke Pelant, Tim Quinn and Nathan Kircher.
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