POULSBO — Kingston coach Craig Smith never thought the state game against the Orting Cardinals would go into overtime.

Alex Hernandez’ goal in the 65th minute put the Kingston Buccaneers up 1-0 with the game nearing its end. It was another goal by Hernandez later on that would decide the winner.

“After that first goal, I thought that was it,” Smith said.

With about 10 minutes left in the game, however, referees blew the whistle against the Bucs. The Cardinals were given a penalty kick, which they used to score.

“We had been defending [the Cardinals] well,” Smith said. “It was not a high-shooting game. It was more defensive and counter attack, but we had more of the offense.”

The game went into overtime, tied 1-1.

“I had [players] wanting to sub out because their guts hurt,” Smith said of the overtime battle.

Unable to come up with a goal, the Bucs and Cardinals went into a sudden death shootout.

Up one goal in the shootout, Kingston’s fourth kicker missed.

Smith said he typically does not save the best shootout kicker for last.

“There’s a lot of psychology … You want the right guy,” Smith said.

This time, however, Smith saved one of the best for last. Hernandez scored the final goal in the shootout.

“It was very worthwhile this time,” Smith said.

The Bucs advance to the quarterfinals of the 2A State Soccer Tournament. They play Capital Cougers at a time, date, and location still being determined.

The Buccaneers are the last surviving team from the Olympic League in postseason. The North Kitsap Vikings were eliminated May 20 by the Archbishop Murphy Wildcats.