EC Soccer Recap: Crusaders power past Garfield, fall to Panthers in Metro Quarterfinals
Despite a gritty 2-0 win over Garfield, Eastside Catholic couldn’t find a way past Seattle Prep as the Crusaders crashed out of the Metro League playoffs.
Last Tuesday, Eastside Catholic emerged victorious from a hard-fought playoff game against Metro-League foes, Garfield. Thanks to yet another goal from Ashalynn Wilkins, the Crusaders were able to open the scoring in the first half and keep the foot on the gas until the final whistle. Wilkins holds the record for most goals scored in one game, and the dynamic attacker has been the focal point of the Crusader attack throughout the season. Freshmen standout Alexa Veteri doubled the home team’s advantage late in the contest to put the result on ice for EC.
Crusader goalie Logan Hellyar held fast between the sticks and kept the Bulldogs at bay, as Eastside Catholic’s Hadley Hagwell and Nadia Bennett took some amazing kicks, followed by impressive effort from EC’s midfielders at getting the ball back onto Garfield’s side alongside an resolute defensive performance from Camryn Trick.
Seattle Prep 3-1 Eastside Catholic
Seattle Prep has a well-known history of having a variety of powerful teams, and their varsity girls soccer team is no different. With a regular season record of 6-2-5, the Panthers looked to book their spot in the semifinals
Beautiful day for a big soccer match. We’ve got @AthleticsMetro quarterfinal soccer at Magnuson as Seattle Prep is hosting Eastside Catholic.
Panthers winning the possession battle early, but the score is still 0-0 15’ in. Good early energy from Emory Bozzuti.#rollPreppic.twitter.com/R8dsYefpoB
Seattle Prep’s Mia Boltz stepped up in the crucial moments to tuck home the Panthers’ first two goals. Ashalynn Wilkins brought one back for the Crusaders, but it wouldn’t be enough to light the fire EC needed to pull level. Before the Crusaders could find any more openings in the Prep defense, Emory Bozzuti finished off the Panthers’ scoring with their third and final goal. Seattle Prep seemed to radiate confidence throughout the game, one they’ll hope to carry with them further into the Metro League playoffs.
Prep face Roosevelt tonight (October 30th at 6PM at Memorial Stadium). The Rough Riders have already toppled Nathan Hale and Holy Names on their way to the Metro League championship. Will Prep have enough gas in the tank to stop them?
On the other side of the Metro League bracket, Lakeside and Lincoln will face off following the Roosevelt-Prep match. Though four teams will enter the semifinals, the top three advance to state.
Lakeside enters the playoffs as the No. 1 seed and plenty of momentum on their side. The Lions are favorites to win the Metro and will certainly be one of the teams to beat at this year’s state tournament.
