Cruiser Soccer Struggles Continue Amid Injuries, Tough 2A Competition

The Eatonville Cruisers' boys soccer team is struggling to find its footing this season, hampered by injuries and the challenge of stepping up from Class 1A to 2A competition.

Eatonville's Connor McIlraith looks to split two Patriot defenders in the Cruisers match last week against Washington. McIlraith would score the lone Cruiser goal in their 4-1 loss. Photo: Heather Quirie

The Cruisers' struggles continued last week as they dropped both of their matches, extending their losing streak to four games.

On Monday, March 24, Eatonville hosted the Washington Patriots in a 2A South Puget Sound League matchup. The Patriots controlled the game, handing the Cruisers a 4-1 loss. Eatonville’s lone goal came from senior Connor McIlraith, who found the net off a deflection from a Nate Christensen corner kick.

Later in the week, the Cruisers faced the Clover Park Timberwolves at home. The Timberwolves took a 2-0 lead into halftime and quickly extended their advantage just a minute into the second half. Clover Park poured in three more goals after that, sealing a dominant 6-0 victory over Eatonville.

Looking to snap their losing streak, the Cruisers will return to action on Tuesday, April 1, when they host the Franklin Pierce Cardinals. They will then head to Orting to face off against their rivals, the Orting Cardinals, on Thursday, April 3. Both matches are set to kick off at 7 p.m.