Elma knocked out of state soccer tournament

Second-half King’s outburst buries Elma in soccer

SHORELINE — Breaking open a tight match in the second half, King’s eliminated Elma from the state 1A girls soccer tournament with a 7-1 victory over Wednesday night at Shoreline.

The Eagles concluded their season at 12-6-2.

Elma trailed only 2-1 at intermission. After King’s had scored twice in the opening 25 minutes, Elma’s Brooke Sutherby cut the margin to one with a goal in the 32nd minute.

Taking a through pass from Molly Johnston, Sutherby threaded her shot from the right of the box between the goalkeeper and the near post.

But the Knights scored again quickly in the second half and matters snowballed for the Eagles.

“We started the second half playing cautious and hesitant and it just allowed them to get around us,” Elma coach Scott Rockey said. “Their girls are fast, they’re really physical and played really aggressive soccer.”

Sutherby, who played forward and midfield in this match, drew Rockey’s post-game praise. He also cited Emily Newberry, Jillian Bieker, Rebeka Lensegrav and Kassedy Olson for fine performances.

Rockey also praised his team for earning a state berth.

“We grew as a team,” he said. “We were a much better passing and possession team than we were before. I’m just hoping to continue to have the program grow and expand.”