The Trojans defeated the Spokane Sasquatch 3-2 in the NWAC (Northwest Athletic Conference) semifinals at Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila Saturday, sending Everett to its first NWAC final in school history.

After a tumultuous first half, which saw goals from both Everett (Maddi Norton) and Spokane (Sydni Thomas), the Trojans regrouped at halftime.

“We started the game decent. Once they scored that goal, we focused and stayed vigilant on maintaining possession,” Everett head coach Geoff Kittle said, “We came right out (in the second half) and had our chances and put them away.”

Forward Lauren Allison provided the firepower in the second half, scoring two goals in the 56th and 62nd minutes.

In the 79th minute, with the score 3-1 Everett, Spokane took a header in the box that looked to be a goal, but Trojans keeper Rachel Leupold made an outstanding leaping save to keep the match in Everett’s favor.

“That was a huge save. Absolutely great save,” Kittle said, “She’s been diving around all week and throwing herself out there and flying around. She’s been getting better all week, and I knew she would play big and she’ll play big (Sunday). It was a big moment and it was very uplifting. One of the best saves she’s made all year.”

Everett looked to be on a roll in the second half, but in the 87th minute, a rebound from a stopped shot found the foot of Spokane defender Serena Robertson, who scored, making it a one goal match.

“They got that goal late. I wasn’t stressing it,” Kittle said,  “We still had the game well under control. I was impressed that Spokane was able to fight back. I didn’t think it was going to be such a high scoring game.”

Everett suffered some injuries during the match. Victoria Lentz suffered a bloody nose, Emily Nelson may have a broken nose, according to Kittle, and Denae Weigelt rolled her ankle. All three players are expected to start in the final game.

Everett will play the winner of the Peninsula-Lane match in the NWAC women’s soccer tournament final round at 3 p.m. Sunday at Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila.

“It doesn’t really make a difference (who we play),” Kittle said, “We think that we’re the team to beat.”

Goals:
Thomas, Sydni (S), 19′
Norton, Matti (E) 30′
Allison, Lauren (E) 56′
Allison, Lauren (E) 62′
Robertson, Serena (S) 88′

Assists:

Weikel, Bailie (E) 56′
Detroit, Rachel (E) 62′
Melvin, Sarah (S) 88′

Goalkeepers:

Leupold, Rachel (E)
Burmester, Samantha (S)

Records:

Everett: 19-2-0

Spokane: 20-3-2