Eatonville Battles Through Challenging Week Under New Interim Coach Susie Danielson

The Eatonville Cruiser girls’ soccer team faced a week of transition and tough competition as they played their first two matches under interim head coach Susie Danielson, who stepped in following the abrupt resignation of former coach Michael Dieckman due to family health issues. Despite a pair of difficult road defeats, the Cruisers showed flashes of promise, heart, and resilience that bode well for the program’s future.

Eatonville's Kalli Olson takes a shot in a match earlier in the season. Olson would score the Cruisers only goal in their two matches last week. Photo: Heather Quirie

On Tuesday, September 30, Eatonville traveled to rival Orting High School, where they fell 6–1 in a hard-fought match. The Cruisers generated consistent offensive pressure, recording seven shots on goal, and were rewarded when Kalli Olson found the back of the net for Eatonville’s lone score.

Goalkeeper Savannah McCandless anchored the defense with another strong performance, tallying 16 saves against Orting’s relentless attack. Her composure in net kept the Cruisers in contention, while Eatonville’s energy and persistence on offense stood out despite the scoreboard. The team continued to press until the final whistle, showing effort and determination throughout.

Two nights later, on Thursday, October 2, Eatonville hit the road again—this time to face a powerhouse Steilacoom Sentinels squad ranked among the state’s best. The Cruisers fell 8–0, but the score didn’t reflect their grit or the standout performances on the field.

Eatonville came out strong, creating early scoring chances before Steilacoom struck in the 4th minute. The Cruisers nearly answered back with a penalty kick that narrowly missed high. McCandless was sensational once again, racking up 28 saves—including 17 in the first half—to frustrate the Sentinels’ potent offense. Up front, Olson and Ryleigh Chopic combined for five shots on goal, pushing the attack against one of the toughest defenses they’ve faced all season.

Despite battling injuries and limited substitutions, Eatonville never stopped working. Every player contributed to a relentless team effort that reflected Danielson’s emphasis on toughness and pride.

The Cruisers will look to regroup and build on the positives from their opening week under new leadership when they travel to Fife to take on the Trojans on Thursday, October 9.