Henry McMurray cuts off the defender and controls the ball / Yearbook staff
After a successful season the Orcas Island Viking boys soccer team finished in the top eight of the Washington State’s 1B/2B division. Their season culminated in a 3-1 loss to Crosspoint on Nov. 11 in the first round of the 1B/2B state tournament. It is the first time the boys soccer team has advanced to the state tournament.
The Vikings’ final game was marked by strong defensive play. Trailing by a single point late into the first half senior Henry McMurray scored an equalizing goal. “It was an amazing goal,” stated spectator Olivia Brunner-Gaydos. The second half continued to be a defensive battle, but Crosspoint found the back of the net two more times and ultimately won the game.
Recounting a previous playoff victory sophomore striker Levi Moss said, “When we won [against Evergreen Lutheran] there was so much excitement on the bus back home and everyone had high spirits.” Those high spirits still persist despite the loss to Crosspoint. Senior midfielder Luke Bronn remarked, “I think I can speak for the whole team in saying that making it to state and being in the best eight teams was super fun.”
This season has been a team favorite for many, including Bronn. “Watching this year’s group of guys grow as a team was really cool. It seemed more cohesive than it has in the past. I’m super proud of my team. I can easily say that this was my favorite season,” he said. The season has been historic in many ways, not limited to their state bid. The team also beat Friday Harbor twice, which hasn’t been done in years. “Beating them in penalty kicks on our home field was thrilling,” remarked Bronn.