By Joe Hagen
Herald writer
EVERETT – Jackson’s dreams of the state soccer tournament were left at sea by a group of Marauders Wednesday night.
The undefeated Timberwolves were ousted from 4A Northwest District tournament after losing to Mariner 3-1 at Everett Memorial Stadium.
Although Jackson had not lost going into district play, the Timberwolves had not secured a state berth. Edmonds-Woodway’s better divisional record earned it the Wesco South crown and a spot in the state tournament.
Mariner used aggressive play throughout the game to keep the pressure on Jackson and goaltender Matt Ditto. A routine penalty kick by Jason Sampaga just three minutes into the game was mistimed by Ditto, and slipped in over the goalkeeper’s head. The play set the tone for the rest of the game, as Mariner continued to capitalize on opportunities.
Mariner scored its two other goals when Mike Desimone put in a header from Jason Sampaga and Ken Mishima scored on a penalty kick in the second half.
Jackson’s goal came on a header by Sam Hartman late in the first half.
Mariner had ridden into the game on the heels of another playoff victory, its 2-1 ousting of Oak Harbor Tuesday night. The Marauders carried the momentum through their performance Wednesday, playing with an intensity that sees them alive and well in the race for a state berth.
“They played with a lot of heart and emotion tonight,” said Jackson coach Mike Bartley of Mariner’s effort. “I thought we would be able to run them into the ground and tire them after their game last night, but we couldn’t match their intensity.”
Mariner faces Monroe Friday in the 4A Northwest District finals at Mount Vernon. The winner advances to the state tournament.
While awaiting the winner of Wednesday’s Monroe and Shorecrest game, Mariner assistant coach Rob Robinett felt confident against anyone his team faces at this point in the season.
“We’ve really improved in the last two weeks. We’re playing the way we need to be playing this time of year.”
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