T-birds await first conference victory

SHORELINE — After compiling one of the league’s top preseason records, the Shorewood boys soccer team was understandably eager for the regular season to arrive.

Maybe a little too eager.

Three games into their Western Conference 4A South Division schedule, the Thunderbirds are 0-2-1.

“We definitely are starting off slow in conference play. But they’ll pick it up,” T-birds coach Drew Thompson said after Shorewood’s 2-1 double-overtime loss to Edmonds-Woodway Monday night.

With Matt Friend’s goal in the 43rd minute, the T-birds were in position to hand the Warriors their first defeat of the season. The senior forward threaded a swift roller between the bar and E-W goalkeeper Hawk Mummey to break a scoreless tie.

But in the 65th minute, the Warriors benefited from a defensive miscue that resulted in an own goal by the T-birds.

Senior midfielder Reed Fife punched in the game-winner a minute into the second five-minute overtime period, finishing off a loose ball in the box.

“I felt we controlled most of the game and we had them on the ropes,” Thompson said. “We let them off with an own goal. You get into overtime and (with) a little bit of luck, anything can happen.”

Thompson felt the own goal gave E-W the momentum and the T-birds never recovered.

“Up to 65 minutes, it was our game,” he said. “I thought we controlled it the whole way until then.”

It was the second golden goal victory for the Warriors in as many league games. The defending division champions were coming off a double-overtime win over Meadowdale that was decided on a backdoor score in the 87th minute.

Meadowdale topped Shorewood 4-1 Wednesday night behind a pair of goals from senior Colin Hughes.

“They’re real similar to Edmonds-Woodway,” Thompson said. “They’ve got quality players and a winning record. You play those teams that are used to winning and they’re tough to beat.”