Fueled by some changes and a trio of players impacting the scoreboard, the Tenino High School girls soccer team rallied in the final 40 minutes to upend Cascade (Leavenworth) 3-2 on Saturday afternoon.
Callie Mickelson started the comeback in the 54th minute then Sophie Espino found the equalizer four minutes later. Kyla Watson scored the match-winner in the 69th minute and the Beavers defense held firm for the second half shutout.
“This was the most extreme example of a tale of two halves,” Tenino head coach Trevor Fetbrandt said. “We made changes we haven’t done all year. Ultimately, it paid dividends.”
Espino assisted Mickelson’s goal and Watson assisted Espino’s. Mickelson now has 11 goals while Watson is at six goals and seven assists.
The Beavers outshot the Kodiaks 8-2 in the second half after only mustering three shots in the first half. Cascade jumped in front 2-0 on 24th and 29th minute tallies.
“We were reeling a little bit,” Fetbrandt said. “A little unorganized in the midfield and they were putting so much pressure up top. We were hanging on.”
Fetbrandt credited Kylie Gonia and Tate Carbonneau in the backline to keep Cascade off the scoreboard for the final 50 minutes. He also sung Espino’s praises for her role in the comeback.
“Freshman by grade, but a senior as a soccer player. You can tell the girls trust her; the most versatile player we have,” he said. “To have a player in your pocket to be an impact-level player at any position, it is an ace up your sleeve.”
Tenino (5-1-1) will have one more non-league game on Tuesday against Shelton before league play commences with a Scatter Creek Showdown versus Rochester on Thursday.
