SEATTLE – An unexpected roadblock on the Spartans’ path to success quickly emerged in last Wednesday’s playoff match: Ballard High.

The Metro newcomers managed a shutout win, 2-0, over the Bainbridge High varsity boys soccer team during the second round of postseason play at Interbay Stadium.

Though a spirit-rattling bump, it was far from the end of the road, however.

Both goals came in the first half of the game and Bainbridge could not muster a return in the second, and the loss put the Spartans on track to play Lakeside for the third place spot on  May 15 at Interbay Stadium.