Cruisers Tested by Packed Schedule, Respond With Big Home Win

The Eatonville Cruisers boys soccer team pushed through one of the most demanding stretches of its season last week, playing four matches in five days. The week tested the team’s depth, fitness, and resolve, but it ended on a high note with a decisive home victory.

Gui Araujo (center) elevates for an acrobatic bicycle kick during Eatonville’s 6-0 win over Foss, capping a standout week in which he helped lead the Cruisers’ attack with multiple goals and key assists. Photo: Heather Quirie

Eatonville opened play Tuesday with an 8-0 loss at Fife against a well-organized and relentless opponent. The Cruisers entered the match with a clear defensive focus, working to stay compact and limit space in dangerous areas. There were stretches where Eatonville held its shape well, with defenders stepping in to break up plays and challenge for possession. Fife’s steady pressure eventually broke through, but the Cruisers maintained their effort throughout the match, continuing to battle and show discipline even as the scoreline grew.

Less than 24 hours later, Eatonville was back on the field Wednesday, falling 6-1 to Lakes in a match that highlighted both the challenges of the schedule and the team’s persistence. The Cruisers showed moments of strong possession, connecting passes and competing in key stretches despite fatigue setting in.

Goalkeeper Cypress Pacatte played a major role in keeping Eatonville in the match, recording 10 saves, including five in each half, while facing constant pressure. His performance allowed the Cruisers to stay engaged deep into the game. Eatonville’s goal came in the 66th minute, when Nate Christensen read a goal kick, won the ball, and finished unassisted. The play reflected the team’s awareness and determination, as the Cruisers continued to press forward and create opportunities despite the deficit.

Thursday marked a significant moment for the program as Eatonville hosted Washington in its first home match on the high school’s new turf field at Arrow Lumber Stadium at B.W. Lyon Field. The game served as both a competitive test and a milestone, giving the Cruisers an opportunity to play in front of a home crowd on a new surface that represents a step forward for the program.

Eatonville made the most of the moment early. Just two minutes into the match, Gui Araujo found the net on a composed finish after a well-placed assist from Christensen, giving the Cruisers a quick 1-0 lead and energizing the crowd. The early goal reflected a sharp start and a confident attacking approach.

Washington responded with goals in the 17th and 38th minutes to take a 2-1 lead into halftime, but Eatonville remained organized and competitive. Pacatte made three key saves in the first half to keep the deficit manageable and allow the Cruisers to stay within reach.

In the second half, the match settled into a physical and closely contested battle. Eatonville’s defense worked to absorb pressure while looking for opportunities to counter. Pacatte added two more saves, continuing a strong week in goal, and the Cruisers stayed within striking distance into the later stages. Washington added a third goal in the 74th minute, but Eatonville continued to compete through the final whistle in a spirited performance that reflected both resilience and growth.

After three matches in as many days, the Cruisers returned to the field Saturday and delivered their most complete performance of the week, defeating Foss 6-0. Eatonville came out with energy and purpose, setting the tone early and maintaining control throughout.

Tony Backlund opened the scoring off an assist from Araujo, and Araujo followed with a goal of his own after connecting on a pass from Jackson Rockey. Jensen Waldron added another as the Cruisers built a 3-0 lead, and Araujo struck again to cap a dominant first half.

Eatonville continued to control play in the second half, moving the ball effectively and creating scoring chances. Senior Tyson Zengota added a goal off an assist from Waldron, and Xavier Torres closed out the scoring with a finish set up by Garin Parker.

Defensively, the Cruisers were just as strong. Pacatte anchored the back line and earned a clean sheet, capping an impressive week in goal. Eatonville combined organized defending with consistent offensive pressure to close out the win and finish the week on a positive note.

Despite the challenges of playing four matches in five days, the Cruisers showed steady effort and development across the stretch. The experience provided valuable minutes and tested the team in a variety of situations, from facing high-pressure opponents to adjusting quickly between matches.

Eatonville will look to build on that momentum in the coming week. The Cruisers travel to face Clover Park on April 22 before returning home to take on Franklin Pierce on April 23. Both matches are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.