Shorecrest falls to Mt. Vernon in district soccer title game

SHORELINE — It required extra time, but the Mount Vernon High School boys soccer team served notice.

In a possible preview of the state championship game, Mount Vernon’s Reynaldo Ramirez-Gonzalez scored the golden goal in double overtime, and the Bulldogs defeated the Shorecrest Scots 2-1 during a testy encounter to claim the District 1 3A championship Saturday evening at Shoreline Stadium.

Shorecrest came into the game undefeated and ranked No. 1 in the state in RPI, while Mount Vernon was ranked No. 2. Both teams advance to state.

Christian Soto also scored for second-seeded Mount Vernon (17-1-0). Ra’ad Salem scored for top-seeded Shorecrest (18-1-0).

The Bulldogs won it two minutes into the second overtime. Aaron Diaz took a shot from distance that Shorecrest goalkeeper Vito Nith could only parry. Ramirez-Gonzalez dived at the rebound and headed the ball into the net to give the Bulldogs the trophy.

Mount Vernon opened the scoring in the 31st minute when Diaz’s free kick from 35 yards out was too hot to handle, and Soto was the first to the rebound to punch it in and give the Bulldogs a 1-0 lead.

Shorecrest tied it 30 seconds into the second half on a goalmouth scramble, with Salem sending a looping header into the net to tie it at 1-1. Both teams had chances to win it late in regulation but were unable to convert, sending the game to OT.

Mount Vernon’s Jonathan Mancillas-Garduno chases teammate Christopher Soto in celebration of a goal against Shorecrest Saturday afternoon at Shoreline Stadium in Shoreline, Washington on May 14, 2022. The Scots lost 2-1 in sudden death. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)

Shorecrest’s Gavin Vanden Berg, left, watches Mount Vernon’s Alexis Herrera-Garduno heads the ball Saturday afternoon at Shoreline Stadium in Shoreline, Washington on May 14, 2022. The Scots lost 2-1 in sudden death. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)

Shorecrest’s Mason Dougherty is pulled and fouled by Mount Vernon’s Christopher Soto Saturday afternoon at Shoreline Stadium in Shoreline, Washington on May 14, 2022. The Scots lost 2-1 in sudden death. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)

Shorecrest’s team lay dejected after loosing to Mount Vernon Saturday afternoon at Shoreline Stadium in Shoreline, Washington on May 14, 2022. The Scots lost 2-1 in sudden death. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)