Marysville Pilchuck suffers 5-1 loss to defending champs Eastlake

MARYSVILLE — This is usually what happens when the defending state champions come to town.

Marysville Pilchuck’s boys soccer team welcomed Eastlake — winners of the 2011 4A state crown — to Quil Ceda Stadium Tuesday night and the Wolves weren’t very gracious guests, thrashing the Tomahawks 5-1 in their season opener.

Marysville Pilchuck’s first-year boys coach Paul Bartley, who also coaches the girls team, was certainly impressed with Eastlake after the teams walked off the field at the end of the chilly March night. His own team, however might be tougher to read.

“We have a lot of stuff to work on,” Bartley said. “I’m not panicking about anything.”

The Tomahawks, who were missing a handful of players that were ineligible due to a lack of sufficient practice time, looked aggressive for the first few minutes, but that changed quickly when Eastlake got on the board.

After an early MP chance in the Wolves box, Eastlake raced down the field on the counterattack. With the Tomahawks defense in retreat, Eastlake chipped into the middle of the 18-yard box where midfielder Madison Heck was all alone, waiting with a soft header. MP Keeper Ian Beegle charged Heck on the play but was helpless to stop the floating shot that sailed gently over his head and into the home team’s goal.

Heck, who netted two goals and an assist on the night, was the lone varsity returnee from the Wolves team a year ago that graduated 12 seniors. Eastlake this year lost five players that would have been on this year’s team to the Sounders Academy, which wouldn’t allow them to play the high-school season. Losing top talent to the Academy is a common issue for some of the best teams in the area.

MP’s Anthony Johnson is an example of a player that declined to play for the Academy and will play the high school season this year. The senior forward scored the Tommies lone goal late in the game Tuesday to prevent a shutout by Wolves keeper TJ Buford. Gavin McDougall assisted Johnson.

Bartley isn’t concerned about his first-team all-Wesco North returning forward, who is usually the fastest player on the field regardless of the opponent. Bartley is still seeking the second-option for the MP attack.

“He’s a solid player,” Bartley said of Johnson. “He just needs somebody to run with him. Hopefully that will happen on Friday.”

On Friday MP opens the league season, hosting Wesco opponent Monroe and will get some much needed practice time to get the rest of the team eligible.

“With the people we bring back hopefully by Friday that will make a difference hopefully in how we play,” Bartley said.

Tuesday was a rough day for Beegle, who allowed all five goals. Sophomore Ryan Spiva came on midway through the second half in relief of the Tomahawk senior and kept the Wolves off the board the rest of the way.

In the 20th minute the Wolves took turns teeing off on Beegle until a shot rebounded off the keeper in front of Max Zambrowsky, who drilled a waist-high shot for a 2-0 Eastlake edge.

Four minutes later Zambrowsky corralled a cross in the middle of the box and shot a laser straight at Beegle, who caught the ball on the chest but couldn’t keep it from trickling in for a 3-0 lead.

In the 51st minute Heck struck again, netting a well-placed cross to make the score 4-0

A few minutes later Heck took a free kick from 35-yards out and Jack Bradley converted the fifth goal of the game.

For Eastlake coach Adam Gervis it was nice to see his team come together after suffering from eligibility issues in the team’s first game — a 5-3 loss at Union. But he doesn’t want to make too much of the convincing victory.

“That’s what preseason is about,” Gervis said of the nonleague game. “Preseason isn’t about wins and losses. Anyone who says that is wrong. Every single player on my bench played and that’s how it should be. They won’t play during the regular season.”

Jon Saperstein covers high school sports for The Herald, follow him on twitter @jonsap and contact him at jsaperstein@heraldnet.com.

At Marysville Pilchuck H.S.

Eastlake32—5

Marysville Pilchuck01—1

Goals—Johnson (MP) 1, Zambrowsky (E) 2, Heck (E) 2, Bradley (E) 1. Assists—Heck 1, McDougall (MP) 1. Goalkeepers—Marysville Pilchuck: Beegle, Spiva. Eastlake: Buford. Records—Eastlake 1-0 overall. Marysville Pilchuck 0-1.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Arlington’s Leyton Martin (2) poses for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Boys Basketball Player of the Year: Leyton Martin

Arlington’s do-it-all junior point guard led the Eagles to a district title and second straight Hardwood Classic.

Left to right, Mountlake Terrace’s Zaveon Jones, Glacier Peak’s Jo Lee, Everett’s Isaiah White, Arlington’s Leyton Martin, Jackson’s Ryan McFerran, and Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel pose for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area boys basketball teams

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

Silvertips’ Andrew Petruk (26) fights for the puck 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)
Breaking down the Silvertips’ 1st-round playoff series vs. the Giants

Everett is searching for a revenge after a shocking playoff exit against Vancouver two years ago.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

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

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.

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.