TACOMA – Scoring opportunities have not been a problem for South Kitsap this season.
Finding the net has been.
But the Wolves expressed optimism that an offensive adjustment will change that after Tuesday’s 4-0 win at Stadium in Class 4A Narrows League play.
South (5-2-2 overall, 3-2-2 league) recently transitioned to a 3-5-1 scheme after it was held scoreless in three consecutive matches to finish September.
“There’s so many more people to give the ball to,” said sophomore midfielder Hailey Parker, who scored in the 6th and 10th minutes. “It’s not as cluttered. That got us started on offense.”
The Wolves put relentless pressure on Tigers’ goalkeeper Jordan Salee during the first half. South took a 3-0 lead in the 20th when senior midfielder Miranda Caballero found sophomore Rachael Prince for a goal.
“I think this was a breakthrough game for us,” South coach Julie Cain said. “We’re getting a lot more numbers and a lot more width.”
After a 5-0 win Thursday against Yelm, the Wolves now have scored nine times in their last two matches. During September, South only scored goals in consecutive matches once.
“We’ve been finishing our high corners, which we have been struggling with,” Cain said.
Sophomore midfielder Hayley Romo said Cain reminded the team of the importance of the match. That is because the Wolves entered the contest in fourth place in 4A Narrows. The top four teams in the league advance to the playoffs.
South maintained that position as senior forward Brita Oleson scored in the 76th on an assist by Adri Jackson to help Cain improve to 4-0-3 against Stadium. The Wolves have not lost against the Tigers (3-5-2, 1-5-1) in five years.
South Kitsap 4, at Stadium 0
First half-1, South Kitsap, Hailey Parker (Emily Wilkins), 6th minute; 2, South Kitsap, Parker (Kim Stanley), 10th; 3, South Kitsap, Rachael Prince (Miranda Caballero), 20th; 4, South Kitsap, Brita Oleson (Adri Jackson), 76th.
