Peninsula upends Trojans in battle of unbeatens

PURDY — Olympic boys soccer coach Steve Haggerty knew his team would need a little help to knock off Olympic League co-leaders Peninsula.

But even a pregame sign of the cross from the longtime Trojans coach wasn’t enough to help Oly overcome their undefeated counterparts as Peninsula rolled to a 3-0 Tuesday at Roy Anderson Field.

A goal from Peninsula’s Cameron Figliola in the third minute gave the Seahawks (7-0-2, 6-0-1 in league) all the lead they would need, adding another goal on a free kick in the 46th minute.

“Obviously we didn’t play well enough to win,” Haggerty said. “That’s the bottom line.”

The Trojans (6-1-1, 5-1-1) played better than the score indicated, exposing various flaws in Peninsula’s defense. Oly was unable to capitalize on its created opportunities however, the closest coming when Kevin Anglada’s rebounded header in front of Peninsula’s net bounced off the crossbar and out of danger.

“That being said, I thought Peninsula was better to the ball than we were,” Haggerty said. “That was probably the difference in the game; where we didn’t generate as much attack as we have against the other schools in the league.”

Oly’s top threat, Cody Clark, had a tough time getting open in space thanks to tight marking from multiple Seahawks defenders. Clark’s best chance came in the second half when a free kick he belted got through the line of defenders, but not by Peninsula keeper Alex Baebler. Anglada had a few breakaway chances, but Peninsula’s speed on the back end kept the threats at bay.

Ultimately, Haggerty said the Peninsula team they saw was the one they expected.

“I expected them to be physical,” he said. “I expected them to be good in the air. I said we had to play our top game to beat them.”

Defender Derek Conway-Newton had a great game in Oly’s backfield, helping keep the game close with several strong stops. Oly keeper Coby Stoddard, while giving up three goals, made several strong saves in the first half to keep Oly close.

The game’s final goal came in the 64th minute when Seahawk Jesse Rowher broke away late.

While the loss certainly wasn’t the result the Trojans were looking for, Haggerty said it should prove motivating for the team’s May 3 rematch at Silverdale Stadium.

“Hopefully we learned a lesson,” Haggerty said. “We can’t sit around fat and happy. If we’re going to be successful, we’re going to have to work hard.”

The Trojans battled Port Townsend Thursday but results were unavailable at press time. Oly will now host North Kitsap in an 11 a.m., non-league game today.

Klahowya

The Klahowya boys soccer team finally earned some team points this week, drawing with North Mason at home on Tuesday, 1-1.

Things started hard for the Eagles as North Mason’s (2-6-1) Jeremy Hoesche put one through in the sixth minute.

But the Eagles (0-6-1) clamped down until the 41st minute when Klahowya’s Wes Gray scored his first goal of the season to earn the draw.

The Eagles will next host Bremerton in a 2:30 p.m. match today.

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