PUYALLUP — The Glacier Peak boys soccer team achieved a lot of its goals this season en route to Wesco 4A and 4A District 1 championships.
However, the Grizzlies won’t be able to accomplish their final objective — playing for a state title.
Todd Beamer goalie Brandon Locke stopped all three shots he faced in a shootout, leading the Titans to a 3-2 victory over Glacier Peak on Friday in a 4A state tournament semifinal game at Carl Sparks Stadium. Todd Beamer will play Pasco on Saturday for the state championship, while the Grizzlies will take on Central Valley for third place.
“We’ve come a long way this season,” Glacier Peak coach Kyle Veach said. “We tried a lot of different things — different formations, different players. We found out what clicked, and it got us to this place.
“We have a real cast of characters, a bunch of kids who just enjoy playing the game. I’m bummed for them because they won’t get a chance to achieve their ultimate goal.”
Todd Beamer complemented Locke’s fine effort in the shootout by converting its first three shots to seal the victory.
“(Locke) was incredible,” said Titans coach Joel Lindberg. “He’s tall, confident and has great hands. He told me beforehand that he’d stop all three shots. We knew he would do it. He’s so good at that. When it went to penalty kicks, we felt good because we have incredible shooters and the better keeper. We had the advantage.”
Veach felt as though his team had the advantage heading into the shootout, however.
“I felt confident. I thought we’d go five-for-five,” he said. “We took great shots, but their keeper did a good job.”
The Grizzlies forced overtime thanks to the play of forward Keegan Rubio, who scored in the 26th minute to tie the game at 1-1 and again in the 76th minute on a free kick to knot the contest at 2-2.
“Keegan is the best player in our league,” Veach said. “He’s fantastic. He’s a great kid to coach because at all times he’s lurking to get a goal.”
“Glacier Peak is an incredible program,” Lindberg said. “They have an amazing coach, and their players are filthy. They pass well and their attacking third is good. To beat them at any point in the season is huge. They were tough to beat, but we stuck to our game plan.”
Veach has no concerns about his team being able to rebound from Friday’s loss for Saturday’s contest.
“The kids are proud of where they come from, so (not being ready for the third-place game) won’t be an issue,” he said. “We’ll bounce back. (Saturday’s) game will be fun. They get to play together one last time. And not a lot of teams get a chance to end their season with a win.”
Todd Beamer 3, Glacier Peak 2 (SO)
Goals: Jordan Carmel (T), Keegan Rubio (G) 2, Dylan Alley (T). Assists: Austin Stafford (T), Danny Guerrero (G), JJ Allen (T). Shootout goals: Allen (T), Zak Gregg (T), Alley (T).
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