SHORELINE — The Glacier Peak boys soccer team is back in familiar territory.
The district championship game.
For the third year in a row the Grizzlies are headed to the district title game. Branson Corwin scored a goal for Glacier Peak in the 12th minute and freshman Connor Seed added another on a penalty kick in the 55th minute as the Grizzlies defeated Meadowdale 2-0 in a 3A district semifinal game Tuesday night at Shoreline Stadium.
The Grizzlies will face defending district champion Shorewood in the district title game at 7 p.m. Saturday night at Shoreline Stadium. The two teams split the regular season series with Glacier Peak handing the Thunderbirds (15-1-1) their only loss this year.
“That team’s played well all year,” said Grizzlies’ head coach Shannon Murray. “Shorewood’s fantastic. Every game with Shorewood — and Shorecrest — is always good. We’re always excited to see them again.”
The only time that Glacier Peak hasn’t gone to the district title game in the past four seasons was 2010. That year the Grizzlies won a 3A state championship instead.
Murray is 1-1 in district title games and is eager to improve his winning percentage. Unlike last year — when Shorewood defeated Glacier Peak 1-0 — both teams in the championship game will go to the state tournament this year, with the district receiving three state berths.
“The boys can kind of relax and play,” Murray said. “The consequences of losing the match are not as deep.”
Glacier Peak (11-5-2 overall) clinched the title berth by dominating possession of the ball throughout, not giving Meadowdale very many scoring opportunities.
“I thought the first 25 to 30 minutes we completely controlled play,” Murray said. “We were disciplined tonight until the very end.”
That’s about when the Mavericks were finally able to break through the Glacier Peak defense and get a good shot attempt.
“I think the first shot on goal was with about 15 minutes to go,” Murray said. “When you go that long without giving up a shot on goal, that’s pretty good.”
Murray credited junior midfielder Peter Vizzoni for controlling the midfield, and quickly getting back to help out on defense.
“His discipline allowed us to not get hurt on a counterattack,” Murray said.
Senior Jesus Mendoza earned the shutout in goal for Glacier Peak. Meadowdale (5-12-1) got a few shots off late in the game, with the best opportunity coming off the foot of Tristan Springer, but Mendoza kept them all out of the net.
The Mavericks play Shorecrest, 2-0 winners over Marysville Pilchuck earlier Tuesday evening, in a loser-out game on Thursday.
At Shoreline Stadium
Goals–Branson Corwin (GP), Connor Seed (GP). Assists–Michael Mikulsky (GP). Goalkeepers–Meadowdale: Evan Lee. Glacier Peak: Jesus Mendoza. Records–Meadowdale 5-12-1 overall. Glacier Peak 11-5-2.
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