STANWOOD — The Stanwood boys soccer team was eagerly anticipating playing against their former coach, and it showed on Monday night.
Laurence Wanambisi and Colin Cuchna each scored in the first half and the Spartans held on to beat Glacier Peak 2-1 in a Wesco 3A crossover match.
It was the Grizzlies’ first loss of the season (6-1-1 league, 8-1-1 overall) under first-year head coach Kyle Veach. Veach had spent four seasons as Stanwood’s boys and girls soccer coach.
“Oh yeah, they were looking forward to (playing against Coach Veach) all season,” Stanwood coach Steven Brown said.
Wanambisi opened the scoring in the 14th minute with a chip over Glacier Peak goalkeeper Lucas MacMillan from near the top of the 18-yard box.
The Spartans doubled their lead seven minutes later when Cuchna hit a low free kick that deflected off the Grizzlies’ wall.
Branson Corwin pulled a goal back in the 29th minute for Glacier Peak after his long throw-in was touched by Stanwood keeper Riley Martin and went into the net.
In the second half, Glacier Peak pressed in search of the equalizer and pinned the Spartans back into their own end. The Grizzlies created a one-on-one opportunity with 10 minutes left in the match, but Martin snuffed out the chance to atone for his earlier miscue and preserve all three points for Stanwood (4-4-0, 5-5-1).
Although Veach and his team left without any points, the coach was impressed with his former team.
“It was great to see them,” Veach said. “They did exactly what I thought: Played very physical, direct soccer. They were motivated to play well tonight and got the win.”
At Stanwood H.S.
Goals—Laurence Wanambisi (S), Colin Cuchna (S), Branson Corwin (GP). Assists—Ben VanSant (S). Goalkeepers—Glacier Peak: Lucas MacMillan. Stanwood: Riley Martin. Records—Glacier Peak 6-1-1 league, 8-1-1 overall. Stanwood 4-4-0, 5-5-1.
