SHORELINE — Even though Archbishop Murphy lost its homefield advantage, it still pulled out a win in the game.
The Wildcats, playing Cedarcrest at King’s High School while the grass on their new field continues to grow, scored in the 36th minute to win a close 1-0 match against the Red Wolves in a Cascade Conference game Tuesday night.
Going into the game, both teams were a perfect 2-0 in league play, but only Archbishop Murphy left that way thanks to a strike by Aidan Huggins from 12 yards out that he flicked into the corner of the net. The assist was given to Riley Rayner, who crossed the ball into traffic from the right wing.
“We just knew tonight’s game would be very important. Cedarcrest is a quality side and we knew it’d be a quality battle,” said first-year Murphy coach Michael Bartley.
Bartley said that the Wildcats had a few other scoring opportunities, but weren’t able to finish with goals. He’s happy that, in the end, his team made the most of one chance while keeping Cedarcrest from doing the same.
“Whichever team took advantage of its chances (was going to win) and we converted one,” Bartley said. “We had other ones but we missed them.”
The Red Wolves had a couple chances themselves, including one shot from 7 yards out that sailed over the crossbar. Senior goalkeeper Jordan Trinka recorded his third shutout of the season for Archbishop Murphy.
Trinka, along with the defenders in front of him, were a big reason for the Wildcats leaving the field victorious, according to Bartley.
“Our defense did a stellar job,” the Murphy coach said. “That was the heart and soul of our team tonight. They did a great job of keeping it in check and giving us opportunities.
“Cedarcrest made it a tough, tough game.”
Defenders Alex Kramer, Jake Flanigan, Cobi Weyers and Nick Ulowetz were singled out by Bartley for their play against Cedarcrest, as well as Jalen Crisler and Josh Bartley.
With the win, Archbishop Murphy (3-0 league, 4-0 overall) remained tied for first in the conference standings with King’s and South Whidbey, while Cedarcrest (2-1, 3-2) dipped down a bit. Still, Bartley said that while it’s nice for the Wildcats to defeat a strong team, they still have to work in practice to maintain the up-tempo style of play.
He called the game against the Red Wolves Archbishop Murphy’s first “test” of the season.
“We have confidence in ourselves, and that was our first big test,” Bartley said. “And we passed.”
At King’s H.S.
Goals—Aidan Huggins (AM). Assists—Riley Rayner (AM). Goalkeepers—Cedarcrest: Thomas O’Donell. Archbishop Murphy: Jordan Trinka. Records—Cedarcrest 2-1 league, 3-2 overall. Archbishop Murphy 3-0, 4-0.
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