Eatonville Snaps Three-Game Skid with Back-to-Back 2–0 Wins Over Washington and Clover Park

The Eatonville Cruiser girls’ soccer team bounced back in a big way last week, snapping a three-game losing streak with consecutive 2–0 victories over Washington and Clover Park. Head Coach Susie Danielson’s squad combined sharp execution, steady defense, and confident attacking play across both matches, looking every bit like a team finding its rhythm again at the right time.

Eatonville's Lucy Allen takes a penalty kick against Washington. Allen would be successful on the kick to help the Cruisers shutout the Patriots 2-0. Photo Heather Quirie

The Cruisers opened the week at home on Tuesday, Oct. 14, with one of their most complete efforts of the season in front of a lively home crowd at Eatonville Middle School. From the first touch, Eatonville controlled the tempo, moving the ball crisply through the midfield and applying consistent pressure on the Washington defense.

The breakthrough came early, in the 11th minute, when senior captain Ruth Lightfoot finished a clinical strike off an assist from Toryn Amaral, putting the Cruisers ahead 1–0 and setting the tone for the night. The goal energized the home side, which continued to attack with purpose, creating seven more first-half shots and keeping Washington pinned deep in its own half.

In goal, Savannah McCandless anchored the defense with poise, coming up with three key saves to preserve the first-half shutout. Behind her, Eatonville’s back line maintained its shape and discipline, turning away each of Washington’s attempts to push forward.

The second half brought more of the same from the Cruisers: steady possession, patient buildup, and relentless pressure. Their persistence paid off again in the 43rd minute when Lucy Allen confidently converted a penalty kick to extend the lead to 2–0. Eatonville never took its foot off the gas, registering seven more shots on goal while McCandless added two additional saves to lock down the clean sheet.

As the final whistle blew, the Cruisers celebrated a statement win that showcased their balance, focus, and confidence. Coach Danielson praised her team’s complete performance, noting the group’s composure and chemistry as clear signs of progress.

Just 24 hours later, Eatonville took the field again, this time on the road at Clover Park’s Harry Lang Stadium on Wednesday, Oct. 15, and delivered another commanding 2–0 victory. Despite the short turnaround, the Cruisers wasted no time asserting control.

In the third minute, Linnea Lofgren opened the scoring with a precise finish off a perfect setup from Toryn Amaral, giving Eatonville an early edge that they would never relinquish. The Cruisers maintained heavy pressure throughout the first half, firing eight total shots while dominating possession. Eatonville’s midfield controlled the pace of play, cutting off passing lanes and limiting Clover Park’s scoring opportunities.

McCandless again proved steady in net, making two key saves to preserve the 1–0 lead heading into halftime.

The Cruisers came out strong after the break, showing no signs of fatigue. Their organized defense and sharp attack kept Clover Park on its heels, and in the 56th minute, Amaral found herself on the finishing end this time, burying a well-placed pass from team captain Kalli Olsen to double the advantage.

Eatonville continued to push forward, generating nine more shots in the closing stretch while the defense locked down any hint of a Clover Park rally. McCandless added another late save to complete her second consecutive shutout, capping off a near-flawless two-game stretch between the posts.

With the back-to-back 2–0 victories, the Cruisers have now strung together a pair of performances that highlight their growth, teamwork, and consistency on both ends of the field. Eatonville’s combination of offensive balance and defensive discipline has made them a difficult matchup for any opponent, and their recent results underscore their steady climb as the postseason approaches.

Coach Danielson credited her players’ focus and resilience for the strong week, pointing to the team’s improved passing and composure under pressure as key factors in their success.

Eatonville’s schedule does not get any easier. The Cruisers face a full slate of matches this coming week, beginning at home on Monday, Oct. 20, against Clover Park, followed by another home match on Tuesday, Oct. 21, against Franklin Pierce. They will then hit the road for back-to-back away games, Wednesday, Oct. 22, against Franklin Pierce and Friday, Oct. 24, in a rivalry showdown with the Orting Cardinals.

With momentum on their side and confidence building, the Cruisers enter the next stretch of their schedule looking to keep their winning streak alive and to continue proving they are one of the toughest teams in their league.