Skyline High Boys Soccer: Spartans Rally Late to Dethrone Stadium 3-2, Head to State Championship

Skyline High School's Michael Stoddard had a conversation with his dad before the past two soccer games. The theme: To persevere.

After being involved with the play that led to a Stadium High School penalty kick late in the first half on Friday night, that conversation could not have been more prophetic. Stoddard knocked in the game-winning goal in the 76th minute to give the boys soccer squad (15-2-2) a 3-2 dramatic victory over Stadium.

Stadium (15-4-0) was the defending Class 4A State Champion. The teams played in the second state semifinal at Harry Lang Stadium in Lakewood. 

"We just kept playing and were very resilient against a great Stadium team," Stoddard said. "There is a reason why they were the defending state champions."

Travis Strawn got things rolling for the Spartans in the 18th minutes, as he ripped a shot from about 35 yards out past Tiger goalie Eric Owen. That shot gave the Spartans a 1-0 advantage.

Stadium cranked up some pressure offensively and got the equalizer goal in the 27th minute. Cesar Cervantes finished a Nick Raskasy pass and managed to get it past Spartan goalie Steven Pankiewicz, giving the Tigers momentum and a tied contest at 1-1.

Then 8 minutes later, Owen drilled home a penalty kick to put the Tigers ahead 2-1. Skyline was still down five players due to an injury and went into halftime, once again facing adversity. Coach Don Braman was not surprised at how well his team eventually responded.

"I had told the team during pregame that we were going to face adversity during the game at some point," Braman said. "We had conceded two goals, and despite being down a goal we never really got down on ourselves."

Freshman Jason Twaddle helped ignite the Spartan rally when he launched about a 30-yard shot on goal. Owen could not come up with the ball and it crossed the goal line.

The assistant referee signaled a goal tying the contest at 2 in the 66th minute. Skyline, by getting the equalizer, had taken back important momentum. They did not look back.

In the 76th minute, Stoddard knocked in the game winner. That was in part because of a great combination of passing and teamwork from Travis Burns, whose pass found Stoddard. Also, Austin Crow created the space for Stoddard to operate and finish the scoring chance that would punch the Spartans ticket to play for a state championship.

"It was a great ball from Travis, and Austin was first to the ball competing for it, and I took advantage and scored," Stoddard said.

Strawn observed: "To get to three goals in regular time coming from behind is a great testament to our work ethic."

Skyline now takes on , who earlier beat Kentwood 2-1. This also sets up an all KingCo final and both Strawn and Braman are looking forward to showcasing Sammamish Plateau soccer and KingCo soccer on Saturday.

"This just shows how strong KingCo is," Strawn said. 

"Eastlake looked great, they did a good job of taking Kentwood out of their game." Braman said. " Its going to be an exciting final for the (Sammamish) Plateau."

Skyline will be taking part in their first Class 4A state boys soccer championship on Saturday. It will be their third installment of their rivalry with Eastlake. Start time is 4 p.m. in Lakewood at Harry Lang Stadium.

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