Prescott loses heartbreaker at State in shootout

RICHLAND – Prescott traveled to Richland to play in the first round of the boys 1B/2B State tournament on November 13 as the home team hosting Friday Harbor. Friday Harbor scored the first goal of the game on a free kick from Carli Alden just outside the box. When the call for the free kick was made it was a surprise as the foul was not apparent. It was also not clear if Prescott's goalie was screened by his defense on the kick or just beaten to corner. Prescott came back about twelve minutes later in the first half to tie the game at 1-1 when Adrian Rubio scored with an assist from Vicente Garcia. The style of play between the two teams was very different. Friday Harbor would methodically work the ball down the field with a several passes before taking a shot. Prescott's offense would better be described as a fast break with a couple of quick long passes to their front line who would then create a scoring opportunity. In the second half Prescott made a quick break down the field and Vicente Garcia scored giving Prescott the lead at game 2-1. For a moment after that goal, I thought they might seize the momentum and break the game open. Unfortunately, Friday Harbor scored a minute and a half later on a goal by Zach Place when Prescott could not get the ball out of their end. This tied the score at 2-2. Despite several chances from both teams the score ended 2-2 at the end of the second half. After a short break of a few minutes the rules for overtime were announced. First goal scored would end the game. Two five-minute halves would be played but no goals were scored so the game would be decided by a shootout. The rules for a shootout are each team selects five players to go one on one against the other teams goalie. The team that scores the most goals is the winner. Teams alternate shooting and defending after each shot is taken. Also, if a team has a larger lead than the number of shots left by their opponent the game is called. This game ended when Friday Harbor scored their third goal of the shootout giving them the victory. On a positive note, Prescott has a very young team losing just three seniors from the roster of fifteen players this year. If everyone returns, they will have six seniors next year coming back in key positions. With the talent coming back they have a good chance to make the playoffs again next year.