For 75 minutes, the Skyview boys soccer team couldn’t crack the Battle Ground defense.
Then the dam burst.
Skyview scored three goals in the final five minutes to beat Battle Ground 3-1 Friday at Kiggins Bowl.
Of all the qualities Skyview has used to build a 7-2-1 record, perseverance might be the most important.
Friday, the Storm were denied time and again by Battle Ground goalkeeper Nate Leu, who had eight often-spectacular saves.
Skyview had two shots hit the post. Twice, goals were disallowed by offsides calls.
Yet the Storm didn’t sulk despite falling behind with 15 minutes to play. Carsyn Lundeen ripped a shot into the top-right corner of the goal against the run of play.
“The fact that we can score when we’re in a discouraging situation is one of the most important things,” Skyview coach Colleen McKinney said.
And score Skyview did. Senior defender Andrew Harris tied the game when his shot from 25 yards slipped through Leu’s grip.
“I wasn’t expecting anything, but it went in,” Harris said. “That lifted our spirits.”
Less than a minute later, Stephen Kiraly put Skyview ahead after Michael Kimbrell’s pass found him in front of the goal.
Kirally added his second goal just before the final whistle, knocking in a cross by Jacob Thompson.
Harris and Kiraly, both seniors, are looking to elevate Skyview back to the state power it was when the Storm placed third in 2014 and won the title in 2012. Skyview has finished third in the 4A Greater St. Helens League the past two seasons.
“We want to change it,” Harris said. “We’re lifting everyone’s spirits.”
SKyview has outscored opponents 23-9 this season and beaten reigning 4A state champs Todd Beamer. Its only losses have come to perennial state contenders Columbia River and Mercer Island.
McKinney said getting every player to buy into Skyview’s system has been the key to success.
“The team is starting to believe in one another, from the kid who plays the fewest minutes to the kid who plays the most,” she said.
Though Skyview is 2-0 in league play, the Storm know every GSHL game will be a challenge.
Battle Ground (3-7-1, 1-2) had scored just one goal in its past seven matches. But the Tigers played the kind of defense Friday that will give them a chance to beat any team.
“We have a small team pool for the 4A GSHL, but every team has only gotten better year after year,” McKinney said. “It makes for some exciting soccer.”
With just five teams in the league, the 4A GSHL season is just eight games. Skyview knows it will get each team’s best shot.
“A key is having a target on your back and not worrying about it,” McKinney said. “I told my boys ‘expectations are a killer. Go out and play like there’s no expectations.'”
SKYVIEW 3, BATTLE GROUND 1
Battle Ground
Goals (assists) — Carsyn Lundeen (unassisted). Goalkeeper saves — Nate Leu 8.
Skyview
Goals (assists) —Andrew Harris (Josh Verrinder), Stephen Kiraly (Michael Kimbrell), Kiraly (Jacob Thompson). Goalkeeper saves — Dylan Debaldo 4, Alex Hood 2.
Halftime — 0-0.
