The Everett Trojans defeated the two-time defending champion Peninsula Pirates in the NWAC women’s soccer championship final Sunday thanks to a goal in the 80th minute from midfielder Alma Manao.

“It was just incredible,” Everett head coach Geoff Kittle said about Manao’s goal. “We talked about before the game that something special could happen tonight, and when (the goal) happened, we just looked over and hugged people and we felt just awesome.”

“You can sense that you score that goal and that was going to probably be enough,” Kittle said. “…and when (Manao) finally broke through and got that goal in the back of the net it was an incredible feeling. It’s hard to describe.”

It was back-and-forth action in the first half, which left both teams heading for halftime scoreless. Chances for both teams were slim but promising, but Everett’s defenders stood strong.

“The back line has been stingy all year,” Kittle said. “We had to use all five back line players today and in the semifinal. There were some tight moments … a couple of nerve-racking moments. Those girls were fighting for ball after ball and they’ve been fighting like that all year.”

In the 72nd minute, Manao had a chance to put the Trojans up, but her shot was denied by Peninsula keeper Emily Flinn, who saved four shots in the match.

“First thing I thought was ‘what a great shot,’ and the second thing I thought was ‘what an incredible save.'” Kittle said “We all thought it was just a matter of time (before we scored).”

With 10 minutes left in regulation, Manao rocketed a ball from the far side of the pitch, just outside the box, that beat Flinn in the top-right corner.

After the goal from Manao, Everett hung on for the remainder of the match, including a Peninsula attack that had forward Alyssa Bertuleit all alone, but a great slide tackle from Everett defender Ashley Simons knocked the ball away and out for an Everett goal kick.

“Huge, huge great slide tackle. Absolutely outstanding.” Kittle said “It was just awesome to get in there and have her make that play. It was what our team was about. We weren’t going to let them score. It wasn’t going to be their day.”

Trojans forward Lauren Allison was named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament.

“I think she’s well deserving,” Kittle said. “She had two great goals in the semifinal and she really settled things down for us today.”

“She was drawing several players when she got the ball and created several things. She played great and she definitely started getting into the zone and really controlling play,” Kittle said. “I think everyone out there knew that she’s a very special player and she made an impact on the game. She just played outstanding.  For her to have this kind of finish is great.”

With 90-plus minutes of hard-fought soccer in the books, Everett has the NWAC championship for the first time in school history.

“We shared the load. I think they really wanted to win (the championship) together and I think the fact that they bought into that was really rewarding.” Kittle said.

“I would love to go back and win it again. We have a lot of young players. It’d be great. We got to where we wanted to be.” Kittle said about winning the NWAC tournament. “I’ve been coaching for a long time and this is the biggest thing I’ve been a part of as a coach and as a player in terms of soccer. I’m just a big fan of my team.”

Goals:
Manao, Alma (E) 80′

Assists:

none.

Goalkeepers:

Leupold, Rachel (E)

Flinn, Emily (P)

Yellow Cards:
Bertuleit, Alyssa  (P)

Records:

Everett: 20-2-1

Peninsula: 19-2-2