The Issaquah girls’ soccer team took a heart-wrenching playoff loss against local rival Skyline high school on Tuesday, Nov 8. The Issaquah girls had much success throughout the season and came into the playoffs confident and ready to compete. With a 1-0 playoff win against Monroe High School already under their belt, Issaquah advanced to Skyline and play the talented nine-win program. There was a lot on the line in this game for both programs because they were both in a win or go home situation.

Issaquah played in a very hard faught, scrappy game with full effort given by both teams. However, from start to finish, Skyline dominated time of possession which became a crucial key to the team’s success. Skyline’s Taylor Bechmeyer struck first in the contest with a goal scored off a crisp cross pass from teammate Emma Morgan, with fifteen seconds remaining in the first half. Emma then later contributed with a goal of her own with two minutes left before the halftime buzzer. That goal came off a very smooth corner kick from a teammate who set Emma up very nicely to rebound the kick for a goal. At half, the score was 2-0 and Issaquah needed to get something going in the second half in order to have a shot at a tremendous comeback.

In the second half, sophomore defensive backs Lauren Lailey and Chloe Feyerick showed great performances, saving potential breakaway opportunities by Skyline forwards. On the other end, two great saves were made by Skyline goalie Jane Huber saving the day for the Spartans and stripping all hope away from the Eagles. The final score in the contest was Skyline two, Issaquah zero. The Eagles had several scoring attempts but could not quite capitalize. Senior Jenna Wisler weaved her way through Skyline defenders, giving max effort in trying to spark an Eagles upset, but nothing would come out of it. Lailey said after the game, “It was frustrating losing a rivalry game, especially in the playoffs. I enjoyed playing with this team very much and it’s sad to realize this is going to be my last game on the field with some great seniors.” A lot of emotion coming from this talented Issaquah bunch, and rightly so. Issaquah would then finish the year with four league wins and three non-conference victories. Now that the Eagles are eliminated from playoff contention, they will continue to grow and develop in the offseason and improving as time goes on.