Kenzie Perry threw down her second straight shutout Sunday.
Ah, soccer, where they get excited about a 0-0 game.
Still, any time you face down a top-level team and rise up and meet them at their level, there’s something to be appreciated.
That was the case for the GU19 Whidbey Islanders Sunday, when they used a stellar game from goalie Kenzie Perry and an inspired defense to forge said tie with the Lake Hills Legend of Bellevue.
“Great game today!,” said Islander coach Sean LeVine. “This was a great game against a very tough team who is in third place in our league and only one game behind the first place team.
“We weathered a storm and proved we can compete with anyone in the league,” he added. “This game will go a long way in preparing us for the State Cup.”
The game was a tale of two halves, with Bellevue dominating play in the first half, before the Islanders took control after the break.
“First half was all them. They dominated possession on our half for the first 45 minutes,” LeVine said. “We maintained a good defensive shape and were nearly impenetrable in the back due some fantastic defenders.
“When they did get a shot or cross off Kenzie was on fire today in coming off her line and stopping shots and crosses,” he added. “She finished the day with 10 saves, most did not trouble her too much.”
Having kept the game scoreless while under a barrage, the Islanders switched up tactics in the second half and took the game to Bellevue.
“We changed our tactics for second half, encouraging the other team to possess and then trying to catch them on a counter attack,” LeVine said. “The change worked, in that, after a few chances on their end they gave up some of their possession, which gave us even more chances on their end.
“We looked very dangerous on their end.”
Whidbey’s best chance at a game-busting score came on a “great through pass” from Hailey Erbe to Lydia Peplinski, who had the Bellevue goalie out of position.
The ball seemed destined for the back of the net, but a Lake Hills defender got her toe on the ball at the last chance, narrowly deflecting it away.
While neither squad could break through, Perry’s work in net was exemplary, earning Player of the Match honors. The shutout was her second straight.
“Her vocal leadership, shot and cross stopping today was key to earning the draw,” LeVine said.
The Islanders close out their regular season with a game in Redmond Saturday, Mar. 28, then kick off the six-week State Cup tournament at home the next day.
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