Southridge ends Arlington’s title hopes 1-0 in 3A state soccer semifinal

PUYALLUP — The way the 3A girls state soccer tournament has gone for Arlington and Southridge, goals figured to be at a premium when the two teams met in Friday’s semifinal.

Arlington won each of its first two state games by a score of 1-0, while Southridge had won both of its games by a score of 2-1. The Suns needed only one goal on Friday, beating the Eagles 1-0 to move on to Saturday’s state championship game against Seattle Prep.

“I knew it was going to be a defensive battle,” Arlington head coach Nathan Davis said. “We’d been awesome defensively. They got that one set piece. We had our chances at a couple of them and just didn’t put them away. I knew it was going to be like that. That’s how we’ve played and that’s kept us in games. My (goal)keeper and defense has kept us in games and we’ve got (goals) and put games away. Today it was just soccer, sometimes you get them and sometimes you don’t.”

The Suns scored in the 38th minute off of a free kick by junior Haley Thomas that found the foot of junior Kendall Pope, whose shot beat Arlington goalkeeper Kat Sanchez.

It was the only blemish in an otherwise superb game by Sanchez, who had little chance to stop Pope’s shot. Sanchez was credited with three saves, but scooped up several other dangerous balls before Southridge could take advantage in the penalty box.

“She just runs the back really well,” Davis said. “She patrols it and she’s very quick so she covers a lot of space for a goalkeeper. She’s a very good player and a good leader — a positive kid. It’s been a sensational season for her. Today on that set piece, there was no chance. She could have made an amazing save, but that ball got drilled. … That was a pretty nice goal.”

The Suns had three shots on goal in the first half and managed the one goal. The Eagles had only one shot on goal in the first half and struggled to get the ball on the Suns’ side of the field.

But the Eagles were much more aggressive after halftime.

“I think we were playing a semifinal game instead of just playing,” Davis said. “… I talked to them at halftime and they just came out and played much harder and played more like we’ve played the last four matches.”

Senior midfielder Olivia Larson agreed nerves were a factor early.

“We were really nervous and we were timid coming out,” she said. “We went into the locker room and we talked and said that we had nothing to lose and to go out and play with everything we’ve got and that’s what we did.”

Though the Eagles were more aggressive, a goal never materialized. The game ended with Arlington having one last chance for an equalizer as the ball went out of bounds for a corner kick, but the referee blew the final whistle signaling time had expired before the Eagles ever got to take the kick.

“I’ve never seen that happen in my 30-odd years of playing,” Davis said.

After the game, Davis praised his team’s effort, not only Friday but the entire season.

“I’m super proud of how we played and how they represented their town and the high school,” Davis said. “It’s a great run for them. The seniors have really led us a long way on an awesome run.”

Larson, who is one of those seniors, was emotional after the loss.

“Going into the season we knew we had a good chance to get here and we just worked hard all year,” Larson said. “We got where we wanted to be and we put ourselves in a good position. We didn’t capitalize today, but we got here and it was a good season so far. We’ve still got one more game.”

The Eagles will face Edmonds-Woodway at 10 a.m. Saturday for third and fourth place.

At Sparks Stadium

Goals—Kendall Pope (S). Assists—Haley Thomas (S). Goalkeepers—Southridge: Tiara Valadez. Arlington: Kat Sanchez. Records—Southridge 20-2. Arlington 17-5.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

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.

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.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

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

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.