Soccer: Oak Harbor defeats Everett 3-2

The Oak Harbor boys soccer team earned some pay back by defeating Everett 3-2 Tuesday, April 20, at Wildcat Memorial Stadium.

It was the first win of the season for the Wildcats in 11 matches, but it was also one you could see coming.

Oak Harbor played short-handed most of the season, but once it began returning to full strength it became more competitive. Prior to the Everett match, it lost two close contests to Monroe and Lake Stevens as the team began to round into shape.

March 20 Everett (2-7-1) ripped Oak Harbor 8-0. The fully equipped Wildcats returned the favor with Tuesday’s win.

The Seagulls jumped out in front on a goal by Chaz Jenkins, then Oak Harbor took control with three straight. Vance Freitas scored off an assist from Greg Wolfe, followed by a Caleb Gatica goal with help from Ryan Fakkema. Freitas and Wolfe teamed up again to score the eventual game winner.

Everett’s Damien Carney put the ‘Gulls within one, but the Wildcats defense shut the door and Oak Harbor claimed the win.

Coach Brian Thompson said, “The team played very hard; all the players put their heart into this game. This win was due to a team effort. All the veteran players played at the top of their games and played unselfishly, giving the younger players great opportunities which they capitalized on to win.”

Oak Harbor is back at it tonight with Marysville-Pilchuck (6-3-1) at Wildcat Memorial Stadium at 7:30 p.m.

The Wildcats hit the road Tuesday, April 27, to Cascade (3-8) and then meet Snohomish (7-3-1) at home Friday, April 30, at 7:30 p.m.

Contact Whidbey News Times Sports editor Jim Waller at jwaller@whidbeynewsgroup.com or 360-675-6611 ext. 5060.

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