Cedarcrest Dominates Tumwater 3-0 in State Soccer Showdown

In a decisive match on March 15, 2024, the Cedarcrest High School Red Wolves eliminated the Tumwater Thunderbirds from the Class 2A state soccer tournament with a commanding 3-0 victory. The match, held at Cedarcrest’s home field in Duvall, showcased the Red Wolves’ offensive prowess, notably through the exceptional performances of players like Sophia Hobson and Laine McKenzie.

Cedarcrest, seeded seventh, took control early in the game. Just six minutes in, Hobson scored the first goal, assisted by McKenzie. The duo struck again in the 35th minute, solidifying their dominance as Cedarcrest built a 3-0 lead before halftime, with a goal from Jema Ward in the 23rd minute. The Red Wolves, now boasting a record of 16 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw, will advance to face the second-seeded West Valley from Spokane in the quarterfinals.

Tumwater, the tenth seed, faced a challenging game. Coach Abbey Bergquist, in her debut season, fought back tears while addressing her team after the loss. “It is much larger than that, even,” she said, emphasizing the significance of their journey. “This was pretty monumental for them and I’m really proud of them for making it happen.”

Despite the disappointment, senior forward Kayla Pope reflected on the team’s achievements. “As a team, it was tough coming off the field, but realizing how far we made it, making state is a huge accomplishment,” she stated. This season marked the second time in her high school career that she and her fellow seniors reached the state tournament, a milestone not achieved by previous Tumwater teams.

The Thunderbirds navigated a difficult path to the tournament, bouncing back from a semifinal loss in the District 4 playoffs to win two elimination games. Their overall performance culminated in a season with 14 wins, adding to a streak of successful campaigns.

Cedarcrest’s early lead put Tumwater on the defensive. The Thunderbirds’ best chance came from Pope, whose shot hit the crossbar in the first half. Despite a more aggressive start in the second half, Tumwater struggled to convert opportunities into goals. “They were beating us to the ball and they wanted it today,” Pope noted, reflecting on the competitive spirit displayed by Cedarcrest.

Looking ahead, both Bergquist and Pope expressed hope for the future. With a core of promising players, including Brielle Clark and Brynn Carson, there is potential for continued success in upcoming seasons. “It starts with how we practice,” Bergquist emphasized. “It is our leadership and my responsibility to uphold those standards and expectations.”

The match not only marked the end of Tumwater’s season but also served as a poignant moment for the team, with players leaving the field filled with gratitude for their experiences over the past four years. “It is where I found my peace of happiness,” Pope concluded, underscoring the emotional journey of her high school soccer career.