The MIHS Boys Soccer team received a 2-1 loss against the Bellevue Wolverines Thursday, March 28.
Last season, they defeated the Wolverines twice without losing their streak against other teams. This season, their rivals made a comeback.
“It was a rivalry game for sure,” head coach Fikay Abolade said. “Our Mercer Island boys put their heart in for every game that they were always looking forward to.”
The match began with Mercer Island going on offense against the Wolverines. At the six-minute mark, sophomore Mattias Perrenoud had a close opportunity to score, but failed to do so.
At the nine-minute mark, junior Charlie Frink received a yellow card due to a small conflict with one of the Wolverine members.
During the last minutes of the first half, the Islanders scored with a corner kick, but at the last second, the referee whistled to signal the end of the half. The Islanders didn’t receive the score and the audience became upset before half-time started.
Nevertheless, the second half started with Bellevue taking the first score, giving them an advantage in the game. Afterwards, senior Nick Chou drove on offense but failed to get close to the net. A foul was given to the Wolverines for tripping one of the Islanders.
At the 70-minute mark, Frink couldn’t score, followed by Perrenoud doing the same. At the 86-minute mark, senior Alex Findlay scored for the Islanders while being assisted by sophomore Tyler Shelton, boosting morale for the Islanders.
The second half ended in a complete tie, with a score of 1-1. Overtime began with five minutes on the clock to gain the final score. Geisner prevented the ball from getting close to the Islanders net.
In the last few minutes, senior Oliver Bellin was limping and Perrenoud’s leg was bleeding. Wolverines took the final shot home, ending the game with a 2-1 score.
Both teams received multiple yellow cards and fouls throughout the game. When the Islanders cross paths with the Wolverines again, they hope to get a redemption win.
“We’ll play them one more time. You know, we’ll beat ‘em [next time],” Abolade said.
Their next match will be against Juanita Tuesday, April 2 at 7:30 p.m.
