RENTON – The top-ranked Mariners got two first-half goals from senior Asher Sullivan on Friday which propelled Sehome to the 2A state championship game on Saturday.
During a physical first half, Sehome was presented with a red card and had to play the majority of the contest a man down, but was able to keep pace with the Cardinals as the title game remained scoreless at the half.
Sehome senior Noah Allen scored on an assist from fellow senior Reiley Buri-Brown at the 65th minute to give the Mariners a 1-0 lead. It was short-lived, however, as Franklin Pierce added a goal just two minutes later and the contest remained tied at 1-1 at the end of regulation.
After the first five minute OT period produced no scoring, the Mariners nearly got a goal at the end of the second overtime period when a deep throw-in by senior Owen Tepker was nearly booted in, but was deflected at the last moment, and the state championship went on to be decided by penalty kicks.
Sehome made four of its attempts, but the Cardinals scored on all five of their attempts and they claimed their first soccer state championship.
The Mariners finished their season with a record of 19-2-1, with both losses coming by penalty kicks.