The Eagles won a close match against the Bothell Cougars on Tuesday, April 16, with a final score of 1-0. The game started strong with solid defense from Bothell, but quickly went downhill as Issaquah began to overpower their players. This was Issaquah’s first game against Bothell.
Bothell received a red card on behalf of the goalie early into the first half, resulting in a 1v1 between Issaquah’s #10, senior Oliver Dorr, and Bothell’s keeper. Issaquah nearly took the lead but missed the goal in a failed and pressurized attempt. The game resumed with Issaquah’s swift cross in front of Bothell’s #14, bringing him to the ground. With the Eagle’s unflagging pressure, #17, senior Derek Remen, sprinted and scored, pulling Issaquah into an early lead. As the game progressed, the Cougars’ defense and morale started waning. Later into the half, Issaquah nearly gained another goal as they conceded a corner with an amazing stop, but slightly missed the goal, keeping the score at 1-0.
In a quick continuation, Bothell was granted a free kick on the edge of the box. Issaquah’s keeper, senior Cole Cowan, prepares, and tips it over the goal for a corner. The Cougars’ #20 broke through the center of the field for a free kick on the 20-yard line. The Eagles pulled through with an amazing save, keeping the pressure on Bothell, and holding onto their lead for the end of the half.
The second half began with an agitated Bothell, and an early yellow card on behalf of player #5. Issaquah had a good cross between #9, senior Ryan Wilkinson, and #6 senior Kaden Friedl, but was denied by Bothell’s #15. The Eagles looked strong as the game progressed, with good headers from our midfielders, steady defense, and great clearances. Annoyed with their lack of progress, the Cougars turned to dangerous plays, but were unable to gain on Issaquah—the players were synced, and their defense was like a wall. Issaquah recommences with fine combinations but could not make it to a goal.
The game trudges on, with near but ultimately failed attempts at a goal on both sides. Bothell’s #10 tried to penetrate our defense from the left but could not make it through. For the remainder of the game, Issaquah predominantly kept possession of the ball, but did not score. With 18 minutes left of the game, and no visible progress, audience members were tired and ready to put this game to rest.
After a slow, labored 20 minutes of empty back-and-forth, the game ended with a score of 1-0 Eagles.
#20, freshman Evan Roudolph recalls that “pregame spirits were high” and referred to Issaquah’s defense throughout the game as “consistently strong and manicured.” No. 12, senior Roshy Rajesh explained that “the game was pretty slow, and it was clear that neither team was completely on their game. Either way, we pulled through and won the game, so I’m proud of us.” Varsity’s head coach Charles Glenn reflects on the night, “The boys were in good mindsets, and started out strong. I’m glad that we were able to maintain a lead and gain another win for the season.” Catch the Eagles on Friday, April 19 at Issaquah High School for their match against Newport!
