Inconsistent play doomed the Oak Harbor High School soccer team in its 5-0 loss to South Whidbey Thursday, March 15, in Langley.

“One poorly played half and one well played half led to (a) loss last night against a very good team,” Oak Harbor coach Jeff Laiblin said. “We are still figuring things out. We have moments of great soccer, but we have been unable to put a complete game together yet. Part of that will come as our new team gets more time on the field together.”

Laiblin noted all but five of his 17 players, nine of which are underclassmen, are new to varsity soccer. He added that having four matches the first week isn’t helping because his team is getting tired and practice time is limited.

“Hopefully we continue to grow from the well played second half from last night,” he said. “We did have strong individual play in the midfield by Mason Rhodes and Nathan Merrill last night.”

Oak Harbor (0-2-1) concludes a busy week when it hosts Mount Vernon (1-0) at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 16.