Arlington battles to a draw on the pitch

During Arlington’s Sept. 7 home opener, a young Arlington girls soccer team battled a Lake Stevens squad to a 0-0 draw after 80 minutes of play.

“Overall, I thought our girls played well,” Arlington head coach Nathan Davis said. The Eagles started five freshmen, which is a first for Davis in 24 years of coaching in Arlington. “They stepped up and played well.”

He complimented the team’s defense, especially the efforts of goalkeeper Allexine Miller-Wood.

“My goalkeeper made three to four really big saves,” Davis said of Miller-Wood’s efforts. He added Arlington’s midfield, comprised of Carly Bartlow, Audrey Jay and Katie Snow, played well together.

The Sept. 7 game against Arlington was Lake Stevens second game of the season. “They’re definitely a quality opponent,” Davis said, adding one of Lake Stevens’ players scored a hat trick during their season opener.

Even though the Eagles didn’t score, he said the team was happy to get a shutout during their first game. Because the matchup was non-league, the game could end in a tie. If against a league opponent, a sudden-death overtime would take place.

“We’re young and inexperienced, but they definitely play hard,” Davis said. He complimented the team’s captains, Bartlow, Jay and Miller-Wood, in mentoring the younger players.

The previous season, which was delayed until March and shortened to 10 games, saw the Eagles go 6-4. Davis said last year’s team was a high-scoring group that was comprised of nine seniors. “We’ve been really good offensively,” Davis said of last season’s team.

The current team is focused on building their defensive skills first.

On Sept. 9 Arlington ventured to Everett Memorial Stadium to play Cascade, which the Eagles won 2-0.

Jersey Walker scored in the 75th minute on an unassisted goal and Maddison Wagester scored in the 79th minute off an assist from Audrey Jay, Davis said in an email. Miller-Wood had a couple of big saves to preserve the shutout.

He added that, overall, the Sept. 9 game was a solid win and the team saw some good growth in passing efficiency and connections.

The Eagles’ season continues Sept. 16 when they host Shorecrest and Sept. 18 when they travel to Monroe.