Lions gain confidence in 2-1 loss to Shorecrest in district opener

Yes, the Lynden girls’ soccer team did take a 2-1 loss to Shorecrest on Saturday, Oct. 31, in the first round of the Class 2A Northwest District Tournament, but the Lions came away from the game feeling pretty good about themselves.

“They’re the No. 2 or No. 3 team in the state,” Lynden coach Carlos Melendez said in a phone interview. “We’re pretty disappointed to come away with a loss, but it’s still a confidence booster to complete like that against one of the top teams in the state.”

Lynden entered halftime tied with the defending Class 2A state runners up after Peyton Fullner scored the equalizer in the 30th minute off an assist from Emily Holt in the 30th minute.

“Peyton played one of her best games of the season,” Melendez said. “Her strike came from 30 to 35 yards out and beat the goalie. She had to step up and play forward for us, because (Elisa) Kooiman rolled an ankle in our game against Squalicum, and she really came up big for us.”

Shorecrest took the lead back in the 60th minute on a goal by Sophia Viviano off an assist from Alexa Iacolucci, who also assisted Lauren Brown’s goal in the 15th minute.

The fact that Lynden (12-4-1) was able to hold the Scots to two goal is a testament to the Lions’ defense that had to adjust on the fly to an ever-changing Shorecrest offensive attack that went from from a 4-3-3 on film to a 4-4-2 formation on game day. They also had to do it playing their first game on artificial turf this season.

“Their forwards kept moving,” Melendez said. “It was difficult to mark them up.”

The Lions will now need to win three straight games to reach state, starting when they host Granite Falls on Tuesday, Nov. 3. The time and site for the game have not yet been set.

This story was originally published October 31, 2015 at 7:19 PM with the headline "Lions gain confidence in 2-1 loss to Shorecrest in district opener."