Cruisers Show Fight in Season Opener but Fall Short Against Rochester

The Eatonville Cruiser girls’ soccer team kicked off their 2025 season at home on Friday, Sept. 5, hosting the Rochester Warriors at Eatonville Middle School. With renovations underway at Eatonville’s stadium, all Cruiser home matches will be played at the middle school this year.

Eatonville's Kalli Olson chases down a ball as a Rochester defender gives chase. Photo: Heather Quirie

The first half proved to be tightly contested, but Rochester broke through late with a long-range strike from 40 yards out that sailed over the Eatonville keeper, giving the Warriors a 1-0 lead heading into the break.

New Head Coach Michael Dieckman said his team responded well after halftime.“ We made adjustments at halftime and came out to dominate the second half, but we just couldn’t finish,” Dieckman explained.

The Cruisers nearly equalized when awarded a penalty kick, but the Rochester goalkeeper came up with the save to preserve the Warriors’ lead. That stop ultimately sealed a 1-0 victory for Rochester.

Despite the result, Dieckman highlighted several strong performances in the season opener. "Madi McChesney-Berube and Toryn Amaral played well on defense. Linnea Lofgren dominated the midfield, and Kalli Olson had multiple shots,” he said. “We have things to adjust, but I believe that we’re going to have a good season.”

Eatonville will look to bounce back on the road with a pair of contests. The Cruisers travel to Tenino on Tuesday, Sept. 9, for a 7 p.m. matchup against the Beavers, before opening 2A SPSL league play Thursday, Sept. 11, at Foss against the Falcons at 7 p.m.