The Oak Harbor High School soccer team ended the 2013 season with a 1-0 loss at Stanwood Wednesday, Oct. 30, but the Wildcats displayed improvement this fall.

Oak Harbor’s 4-11-1 record doesn’t shout success; however, compared to recent campaigns, it’s on the upswing.

The four-match win total equals the total of the last five seasons combined, and the Wildcats surrendered only 38 goals this year as compared to 70 last year, according to coach Mike Lonborg.

He said, “Even though we didn’t score as much as we wanted (eight goals), we almost doubled the two previous years combined goal total.”

“We started changing the culture this year and started to learn how to compete, which hopefully will turn into learning how to win,” Lonborg said. “The foundation was laid this year for the future and we have some great young ladies that will be back to carry on the rebuilding process next year.”

“I feel very lucky to have been given the chance to work with these young ladies and I’m very proud of what they have accomplished this year and I look forward to seeing what they can accomplish in the future.

“We have four seniors this year that will be missed, but not forgotten, for their dedication and hard work and loyalty to the program.”

The Stanwood (5-8, 5-10) match was tied at the half, then the Spartans scored on a breakaway 15 minutes into the second half.

“Lauryn Plush played well at midfield and had some great crosses,” Lonborg said.

The game was “very physical,” Lonborg said, and three girls left with injuries.