Cruiser Soccer Riding Four Game Win Streak

In a hard-fought girls' soccer clash, the Eatonville Cruisers triumphed over the Tenino Beavers with a final score of 1-0 in a riveting 1A Evergreen League encounter. Mother Nature had her say in the match as the heavens opened up, drenching the players throughout most of the contest. But in the midst of the rain-soaked battle, it was Eatonville's Mary VanEaton who shone brightest, becoming the hero of the night in the 59th minute with a perfectly executed penalty kick.

Eatonville's Mary VanEaton handles the ball against a Tenino defender in the Cruisers 1-0 victory. VanEaton would score both goals in the Cruisers 1-0 victories against Tenino and Rochester. Photo: Rhonda Dunn

Interim head coach Machaela Swartout summed up the victory by stating, "This was a solid win. We felt that we were in control the majority of the game and just couldn't quite get the ball in the back of the net. Our opportunity came when a Tenino player committed a hand ball in the box, and we received a PK. Mary stepped up to take the shot and easily scored it, which would become the game-winning goal."

The rain may have poured down relentlessly, but so did the determination and skill of the Cruisers. VanEaton's precise penalty kick was the difference-maker in this intense showdown.

Goalkeeper Tierney Amaral, rarely called into action in the match but ever-ready, recorded another shutout by handling the ball only a handful of times. Her consistent performance between the posts has proven to be a formidable asset to the team's defense.

Not content with just one win, the Cruisers concluded their week with yet another 1-0 victory, this time over the 2A Rochester Warriors. VanEaton continued to demonstrate her scoring prowess by finding the back of the net in the 25th minute, a lead that remained intact until the final whistle.

With these consecutive wins, the Eatonville Cruisers are riding a wave of success, boasting a four-game win streak as they enter the final stretch of the regular season. Currently, they find themselves in second place in the highly competitive 1A Evergreen League, with all four of their remaining games slated against league opponents. These upcoming matches hold immense playoff implications, making them pivotal for the Cruisers as they strive to secure a coveted postseason spot. The stage is set for an exciting conclusion to the season, and the Cruisers are ready to rise to the occasion.