Chargers fall to Ferndale

A late goal was the difference in a close game between Marysville Getchell and Ferndale on March 12.

The 3-2 defeat was the Chargers' first game of the season.

“I think they showed a lot of character,” Marysville Getchell boys soccer coach Stephen Strom said. “I think it was a good first test for us.”

Ferndale, which competes in the Northwest Conference, scored about 12 minutes into the first half. The Golden Eagles scored again in the first half on a free kick to go up 2-0.

Marysville Getchell got on the board with about two minutes remaining in the first half when senior Zachary Porras scored thanks to an assist from Justice Fischer.

In the second half, Porras tied the game 2-2 on a free kick after junior Alijah Raley was fouled.

Later in the half, Ferndale scored the go-ahead goal off a corner kick.

“They did show some fight,” Strom said.

Strom complimented the efforts of Fischer. “He made a lot of good runs.”

He said Alijah Raley played well and sophomore Austin Brustuen has made improvement.

Strom said the team is looking good with a mix of veteran and new players. The varsity squad has 10 seniors, but a couple of players tried out for the first time this year.

“It was nice to see them,” Strom said. Marysville Getchell’s soccer program has around 56 players, which is enough to field a varsity, junior varsity and practice teams.

The team is glad they’re going to enjoy a full season this spring. The 2021 season was limited to 10 games and lacked any post-season competition due to COVID-19. In 2020, the Chargers held tryouts only to see the season canceled because of the pandemic.

Marysville Getchell travels to Snohomish March 16 and then hosts Everett March 18. Start time for both games is 7:30 p.m.