Submitted by Gene Helfman.

The much-anticipated rematch between Lopez and Friday Harbor was held at Linde Field on San Juan, Oct. 8. Two weeks earlier at home, Lopez notched its first win in decades against the Wolverines. The rematch was destined to determine if the previous 2-1 score was an anomaly. Friday Harbor hoped yes, Lopez intended to prove no.

The weather forecast predicted early rain, clearing at game time, then more rain. It rained, hard, throughout the match. Things started inauspiciously for Lopez, the Wolverines scoring in the eighth minute. Play was even until Ethan Patrick scored from the left side in the 20th minute. The tie was broken barely two minutes later when Patrick scored again. The next 20 minutes saw the ball moving up and down the pitch, many players slipping on the wet turf. The half ended Lopez 2, Friday Harbor 1, a reminder of the previous contest.

The rain stopped during half-time, then picked up again when play resumed. The second half was entirely different, Lopez taking control early, with Patrick’s third goal coming just two minutes into the period. His hat trick was followed by goals every few minutes, scored by Rafa Velazquez, Andris Meissner (twice) and Jacob Velazquez-Velazco. The Lobos played as a team, passing across and down the field, Oliver Rick, Ethan Patrick, and Andris Meissner credited with assists. The Lopez defense was again solid, Lopez keeper Jacob Sanford having to stop only a few hard-struck shots. Final score: Lopez 7, Friday Harbor 1.

On the ferry home, rain-soaked players, coaches and fans relived the game. Assistant Coach Tommer Roush was especially enthusiastic, remarking on how the team moved together on both offense and defense. “We really dominated in the second half, throughout the field,” Roush said. “We played amazingly well.” The Lobos are undefeated after seven games, with challenging matches scheduled against Providence at home on Oct. 14 and away at Orcas on Oct. 18.