Arlington attack finally breaks through in 1-0 win over Stanwood

ARLINGTON — Sooner or later, the Arlington girls soccer team figured a ball had to go in.

After dominating possession for most of the game, Olivia Larson and the Eagles finally broke through with a goal in the 56th minute to lead Arlington to a 1-0 victory over Stanwood in a Wesco 3A contest Wednesday night at Arlington High School.

“I thought we had great possession tonight,” Arlington head coach Nathan Davis said. “It was a little bit frustrating that we had so many chances — I think the girls were getting a little frustrated, too. But man, we were really possessing the ball well. I think we had like 90 percent of the possession so you get a little frustrated that one won’t go in.”

Both teams had scoring opportunities in the first half, although the Eagles led Stanwood with eight shots on goal to the Spartans’ three. Perhaps Arlington’s best chance in the half came in the 14th minute when Stanwood goalkeeper Kaitlin Larson saved one shot that deflected to another Eagles forward who saw her shot sail just high of the goal.

In the second half the Eagles finally got one in the back of the net. Junior McKenzie Buell passed the ball to Olivia Larson and the senior collected the ball, dribbled and fired it past a very busy Kaitlin Larson.

“We just talked about not overstriking the ball,” Davis said. “You don’t have to kill it. We’re just trying to put a ball away. … That was a great combination between McKenzie and Olivia. That was sweet.”

With their Stilly Cup rivals continuing to battle, Davis and the Eagles fought for an insurance goal in the game’s final 30 minutes. But once again, neither team could score as Arlington hung on to clinch the victory.

“When you’re playing a rivalry game you know it’s always going to be intense and you finally get that one and it’s a little bit of relief,” Davis said. “But 1-0 in a soccer game is nothing. It’s like you’re still tied — or down — almost. You have that panic feeling where you’re rushing.”

Stanwood head coach Lori Stunz said her young Spartans squad had their hands full with Arlington. Unlike the experienced Eagles side, which features just two sophomores on the roster with the rest being upperclassmen, Stanwood lists just three seniors and six juniors.

“They’re always hard-fought games (against Arlington),” Stunz said. “Nathan puts together a good squad. Looking down his roster (it’s) 11 seniors, nine juniors and two sophomores.

“Looking down our roster we’re a little diaper squad (with) teeny-tiny babies,” Stunz added with a smile. “We’ll get there.”

Stanwood was not at full strength in the match, with several players out do to illness. The Spartans were also without one of their biggest offensive weapons in Espy Sanchez, who injured her ankle in Stanwood’s 2-1 victory over Everett on Monday.

Stunz isn’t sure when Sanchez will be cleared to resume playing.

“She’s out for potentially another match. We’re not sure,” Stunz said. “At least she’s not on crutches anymore.”

Senior defender Lisette Vargas and midfielder Camryn Cross help lead the younger Spartans. As did Larson, Stanwood’s sophomore goalkeeper.

“We’re really young,” Stunz said. “We graduated three seniors out of our backline last year, so we’re just kind of playing around with some different combinations in the back and are slotting in a few freshmen back there to get them some minutes.”

Senior goalkeeper Kat Sanchez recorded the shutout in goal for Arlington (3-2-0 league, 6-3-0 overall). Davis said getting the win over Stanwood (3-1-1, 5-2-2), which remains ahead of the Eagles in the standings, was crucial in the Eagles’ goal of battling to qualify for the district tournament and make another deep postseason run.

“It’s huge,” Davis said. “They’re ahead of us in the table. You’ve got to win on your home field in a game when they’re up on us (in the standings). Hopefully it gives us some energy going into the second half (of the season). Our goal is to get to districts and advance to where we were at — state — last year.”

At Arlington H.S.

Goals—Olivia Larson (A). Assists–McKenzie Buell (A). Goalkeepers—Stanwood: Kaitlin Larson. Arlington: Kat Sanchez. Records—Stanwood 3-1-1 league, 5-2-2 overall. Arlington 3-2-0, 6-3-0.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27

Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.