Submitted by Gene Helfman.

With a large and enthusiastic crowd in attendance, the Lobos hosted Providence Classical Christian in the first home soccer match of the season, Sept. 9th. Lopez fielded a 16-member co-ed squad on an exceptionally warm summer afternoon against a team that has gone to the state tournament almost every year. The Lobos expected a competitive match.

Providence jumped out early with a goal in the first five minutes. But the teams played evenly throughout the first period, and the half ended with Providence up 2-0. The second half was less even, most of the play occurring on the Lobos’ end of the field. Goalie Levi McClerren stopped shot after shot, including multiple corner kicks, but four balls slipped past. Providence was exceptionally effective on defense and Lopez had few scoring opportunities. The game ended Providence 6, Lopez 0.

Coach Mycah Kraushaar gathered the team after the game and had nothing but praise for a solid performance. “I told them I couldn’t be prouder with how they played,” she said. “They never let up, right to the end, despite the heat and the score. We have a lot to look forward to.”

Lopez has home matches against LaConner on Sept. 24 and Friday Harbor on Sept. 28. The entire schedule can be found at www.lopezislandschool.org/district_info/athletics/m_s_soccer.