Kickers fall from ranks of the undefeated

A fluke play costs the Spartans in the 1-0 loss to Seattle Prep.

For the first time this year, the Spartan soccer team was held scoreless. And, unable to convert a goal, they fell from the ranks of the undefeated.

Traveling to Lower Woodland park to play Seattle Prep, it may have been the field that was their undoing in the 1-0 loss.

“It was very difficult to adjust to playing on the dirt-sand surface,” coach Anh Tran said. “Thank goodness this will be the only game we play on dirt this year.”

Falling to 7-1-2 overall (2-1-1 in Mountain Division play), Bainbridge slipped into a tie with Bishop Blanchet behind leader Eastside Catholic (8-0-2, 3-0-2 Metro).

The Spartans host the Crusaders May 3 at Memorial Stadium before playing the return match at the new field of Bishop Blanchet two days later. By virtue of their 1-0 victory over Blanchet last week, Bainbridge holds the tiebreaker against the Braves.

Bainbridge outshot the Panthers (3-3-1, 1-2-1 Metro) 18-4, forcing 10 saves from the goalkeeper duo of Alex Speitz and Nigel Stacey. Four were quality chances that didn’t find the back of the Prep netting.

The Prep goal came on a mis-kick by the goal scorer. In the eighth minute, David Strecker tried to cross from the left side of the box, 30 yards from the goal. Reading the play, Spartan goalkeeper Alex Bolt ran upfield to intercept, but could not backtrack in time to make the save on Strecker’s miscue. He turned to see the ball sail high over his head and into the back of the goal.

The Spartans finish out April with a trip to Lakeside tomorrow.

Alternating home and away games, the Spartans host division leaders Eastside Catholic May 3, followed by a trip to Bishop Blanchet May 5.

They close out their season seeking revenge against Seattle Prep at home May 10 then face the Crusaders at Starfire Center in Tukwila May 12.

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