Braves soccer team rolls over Coupeville, MVC

For the La Conner High School boys’ soccer program, wins over league power Mount Vernon Christian have come about as often as the U.S. Census in recent seasons.

Which means La Conner’s 4-1 win via penalty kicks at MVC Friday counts for a lot.

“This was a huge win for us, beating Mount Vernon Christian for the first time in 10 years,” Braves head coach Galen McKnight told the Weekly News afterwards. “Some of the boys have been playing for five years – since eighth grade – and it really meant a lot to them.”

La Conner’s Christian Fix knotted the score 1-1 with a second half penalty kick. He, Mason Wilson and Cameron Burks later scored in the penalty shootout round.

McKnight credited Braves keeper Finn Hakenson with stellar play in goal, while Thomas Whilme passed deftly on the perimeter, he said.

Coupled with a 3-2 overtime home win against Coupeville on Sept. 28, the Braves pushed their winning streak to five matches going into last night’s away rematch with the Wolves.

La Conner controlled the tempo throughout the Whittaker Field match, outshooting Coupeville 24-7.

Ian McCormick and Isa Gonzales-Rojas each scored for La Conner in regulation. Wilson delivered the Braves’ goal in overtime.

Burks assisted on two La Conner scores. Fix also notched an assist.

McKnight also cited the play of Spencer Olson and Samuel Williams as key factors for the victors.

“Spencer has been playing well at center back,” he said, “and Samuel has been playing a new role at right midfielder and it has seemed to spread out our attack.”

McKnight said he hopes the Braves (5-2) can “keep the ball rolling” this week with a 5:30 p.m. home match tomorrow (Thursday) opposite NW2B rival Friday Harbor and a 1 p.m. Saturday league clash at Orcas Island.

In a related note:

*The La Conner High School girls’ soccer team fell 3-1 Thursday to Coupeville. Karris Drake scored the lone goal for La Conner (0-4), which hosts Friday Harbor 3:30 p.m. Thursday.