King’s girls soccer to play for 1A state title

Katie Stella and Callie Wright scored for the Knights in the 2-0 win over Seattle Academy.

RELATED: Click here for box score

SHORELINE — Too often the King’s High School girls soccer team has had to settle for being the bridesmaid. But now the Knights have their chance to be the bride.

Katie Stella and Callie Wright scored goals to fire King’s into the 1A state championship game as the Knights defeated the Seattle Academy Cardinals 2-0 Friday at Shoreline Stadium.

This is the ninth time King’s has been to the state semifinals since 2006, yet the Knights have yet to claim a title. King’s can end that drought with a victory over Cascade of Leavenworth, which beat La Salle 2-0 in Friday’s other semifinal. Saturday’s championship game is at 2 p.m. at Shoreline Stadium.

King’s (14-8) got to the title game by beating a team that’s been the bride many times over. Seattle Academy has reached the final four six times since 2005, winning the championship four times. The Cardinals also defeated the Knights 4-1 in a bi-district contest two weeks ago, King’s only loss to a 1A school this year.

”I say we won on effort points,” King’s coach Nicole Gabelein said. “That’s how we try to get out there. When we start the game I want them to win on effort in the first part of the game, then settle into the game. They did that.

“This squad plays hard because they love each other and they love the game — and they like to win,” Gabelein added when asked whether the search for that elusive first state title was a motivating factor. “Those are the things that matter. It’s a little bit different, this team has felt different from the beginning. I think part of that is carrying 10 freshmen on varsity, so it’s a different feel with the energy they bring. And the upperclassmen and how they’ve decided to lead this team has been fantastic.”

Seattle Academy (15-3-3) faces La Salle in the third-place game at 10 a.m. Saturday at Shoreline Stadium.

The Knights lost convincingly to the Cardinals in their previous meeting, but King’s was missing key players because of injuries in that game. The Knights were back to full strength Friday and it showed as they dominated possession early, keeping the ball almost exclusively in the Seattle Academy half.

It all paid off for the Knights just seven minutes into the contest. Emma Fleming sent a free kick from 35 yards out into the penalty box, where Stella rose for a free header and placed the ball into the corner to stake the Knights to a 1-0 lead.

The story remained largely the same into the second half, and King’s got the all-important second goal in the 54th minute. Daylee Peterson sent a ball forward from midfield, releasing Wright on a breakaway. Wright maneuvered herself around Seattle Academy goalkeeper Emerson Richmond-Burke and rolled the ball into a gaping net to make it 2-0.

That was more than enough for a stingy King’s defense that didn’t allow Seattle Academy a quality scoring chance until second-half extra time, by which time the game was all but over.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 8-17

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 8-17. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Silvertips’ playoff picture coming together as season hits final week

Everett is officially the Western Conference’s No. 3 seed and is likely heading into a matchup with Kelowna or Vancouver.

Los Angeles Rams offensive guard Tremayne Anchrum (72) against the Denver Broncos during the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Seahawks add to position of need, sign guard Tremayne Anchrum Jr.

The 25-year-old has played in 31 games, starting once, since being drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 2020.

Everett Community College head coach Chet Hovde watches as the women's team practices on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 in Everett, Wa. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)
EvCC coach Chet Hovde, who ‘lived for’ basketball, dies at 77

Coach Hovde graduated from Everett High School in 1965. He spent 33 years as the women’s basketball coach at the community college.

Jackson’s Ian Friedrichsen celebrates his goal with his teammates during the game against Bothell on Thursday, May 11, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep boys soccer: 5 things to watch for the 2024 season in Snohomish County

A look at the top local storylines for this high school boys soccer season

Jackson’s Rachel Sysum is hugged by Leneyah Mitchell after hitting a home run during the game against Bothell on Friday, May 19, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep softball: 5 things to watch for the 2024 season in Snohomish County

A look at the top local storylines to keep an eye on this high school softball season.

X
Prep roundup for Friday, March 15

Prep roundup for Friday, March 15: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Glacier Peak’s Samantha Christensen runs to home plate to celebrate her home run with her teammates during the game against Snohomish on Friday, March 15, 2024 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
GALLERY: Glacier Peak softball tops rival Snohomish

The Grizzlies prevail 9-5 in a clash of area powers.

X
Prep roundup for Thursday, March 14

Prep roundup for Thursday, March 14: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

The Washington Wolfpack logo is revealed during the Everett AFL team unveiling at Tony V's Garage in Everett, Washington onThursday, Oct. 26, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Everett’s new arena football team to have 4 televised games

The NFL Network will broadcast 30 AFL games this season, including two Wolfpack home games.

Washington coach Mike Hopkins yells to the team during the second half of the team's NCAA college basketball game against California, Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, in Seattle. California won 82-80. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
Looking back at Mike Hopkins’ turbulent tenure as UW men’s basketball coach

The departing Huskies coach had highs early, but the good times didn’t last long.

X
Prep roundup for Saturday, March 16

Prep roundup for Saturday, March 16: (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.