Eastside Catholic went 6-4 in their 2022-2023 season, finishing 6th in the 3A Metro. Since graduating four seniors, Coach Mike Blackburn was looking for young players to lead the line. To his relief, they did not disappoint in the Crusaders’ season opener against Metro League rivals Ingraham.
Freshman Alexa Veteri and Olivia Shogren score 3 goals to take the win 4-1 in Eastside Catholic’s first Varsity Girls Soccer game of the season. Not only were freshmen on the scoresheet, but sophomore Ashalynn Wilkins chipped in with three assists of her own.
Eastside Catholic gained momentum straight away, leading to all 4 goals scored in the first half. The team maintained possession and dominated the pace of play in the midfield, utilizing the flanks to fire crosses into the 6-yard box, resulting in most of their goals.
Alexa Veteri scored the game’s first two goals, thanks to two assists from Ashalynn Wilkins, a sophomore midfielder. Her second goal was off a set piece from Carolyn Vipond to Wilkins and then to Veteri. The energy was electric as she scored not only her first but also her second varsity goal.
Alexa has been playing soccer since she was 7. Along with Eastside Catholic soccer, she plays for Eastside FC soccer club. She has great potential to be a significant scorer this season and in her Eastside Catholic soccer career.
Following Veteri’s success, Olivia Shogren set up a free kick outside the 18-yard box and curved a beautiful shot into the top left corner, making the score 4-0. You could see the team’s excitement as they exchanged high-fives and congratulated Shogren for her fantastic goal. The bond this team has is truly remarkable.
Eastside Catholic’s 3rd goal of the game was scored by Carolyn Vipond, a junior playing her third year on the varsity girls soccer team. She received a through ball from Ashalynn Wilkins, running past the last defender, and shot between the legs of the goalkeeper before the 6-yard box.
In the last 10 minutes of the game, Devon Colquhoun on Ingraham gained possession in the midfield, passing the ball down the left side. Their left-wing dribbled down and shot a low ball toward the left post, making the score 1-4. The sideline and team lit up as this was their first goal of the season.
In Ingraham’s previous season, they went 3-6 and were ranked 15th in the 3A Metro district. They had 8 goals scored and 18 goals against them. Since their game against Eastside Catholic, they played Wenatchee on Saturday and lost 1-4. This Tuesday, they will face the Franklin Quakers at home. This game will be a good matchup with the possibility of a win for Ingraham.
Eastside Catholic will play Garfield on Tuesday, September 12th, at home. This game will also be a good matchup with a high potential for another win for Eastside Catholic, as they were ranked many places higher in the 3A Metro district last season. This strong win against Ingraham anticipates an energetic season for the Crusaders.
Featured Image Credit: Eastside Catholic School
