2OT game ends Bucs soccer season

KINGSTON — The Buccaneers quarterfinal soccer game against the Sehome Mariners was exactly as a state game should be — a white-knuckled nail-biter.

At the end of regulation the score was tied 1-1.

After two five-minute golden goal overtimes, the score was still 1-1.

And at the conclusion of one round of penalty kicks, the outcome was heart-wrenching for Kingston and celebratory for Sehome.

Kingston made three of five in the kickoff round while Sehome made four.

The Bucs season and run for the state finals ended on Saturday at Buccaneer Field as the Mariners claimed the victory, 2-1.

“It’s disappointing, that’s all I can say, but at least it came down to us not leaving anything on the field,” said senior goal keeper Devin Langaker. “I think for our first year we set the bar high for Kingston High School and I think it’s a pretty big accomplishment for the whole team. I’m proud of every one of them.”

The mood on the field was somber. A few Bucs were kneeling with their foreheads on the grass and others had their hands over their faces.

But in the spirit of Kingston athletics, assistant coach Michael Donne didn’t let the team mourn. He gathered the Bucs for one final huddle.

“When we win we’re a team and when we lose we’re a team,” Donne said. “You really do have to hold your heads high. It was a good run. It was a good effort. Everyone leaving here is saying how good you’ve done.”

As the huddle broke and the pain of the loss began to subside the Bucs demonstrated the sportsmanship they’ve shown all year, as they recognized the Mariners by counting to three and shouting “Sehome.”

It was a devastating loss, though. And what made the loss difficult to swallow was the wayit happened.

In the first half both teams swapped possession and traded steals. Kingston had a difficult time penetrating the Sehome defense in the first half, but when it did it created opportunities. And with six minutes remaining in the first half, the Bucs claimed control of the scoreboard.

John Troka took a shot from midfield and captain Chris Hall was in perfect position near the right side of the goal. Troka’s shot sailed right to Hall who first headed the ball toward the goal, but that didn’t work. A scuffle ensued and Hall regained control. This time he used a little fancy footwork, got by the goalie and put the ball into the left hand corner of the net.

“It was a game-winning kind of goal based on the way that game was going,” said head coach Craig Smith.

The first half ended with Kingston up by one.

But the Bucs’ lead was not to be for long, as a controversial call was made against Kingston at the the start of the second half.

Fredy Salgado was doing his job and actively defending Kingston’s goal. Sehome was perilously close to a score and the ball was up in the air. Salgado, in an effort to chest strap the ball, which had started to drop, took a step closer and as he did his right shoulder also moved forward. His arms, however, were glued to his sides and his hands to his chest. But the ball glazed what appeared to be Salgado’s shoulder and the whistle sounded instantly.

The referee determined Salgado had made a deliberate attempt to touch the ball and alter the play.

Both Salgado and Smith said that’s not what happened, but did not refute the call.

“It’s a judgement call. It was a good referee,” Smith said.

As a result Sehome was awarded a penalty kick.

It went in and the game was tied 1-1, which forced the overtime shootout.

A loss on Saturday aside, the Bucs made history this season. And that’s something that won’t be forgotten.

“This was only our second loss this year,” said senior captain Hall. “We are the most successful team in Kingston High School history. Be proud of that guys.”

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