Olson and Courson Shine as Eatonville Cruisers Start Season with Win and Draw

The Eatonville Cruisers girls soccer team kicked off their season with a strong start, securing a 5-1 victory over Rochester in their opener on Tuesday, followed by a 1-1 draw against Tenino in their second match.

Eatonville's Haley Courson fights for possession with Rochester's Harley Frahman in the Cruisers opening match of the season. Courson would start off the season recording a hat trick in the match. Photo: Rhonda Dunn

In the opener, Eatonville's attacking duo of Kalli Olson and Haley Courson put on a clinic, with Olson contributing two goals and three assists while Courson netted a hat trick. Olson struck first, scoring off a long pass from Mary Van Eaton. Although Rochester quickly equalized, Olson and Courson combined twice to give Eatonville a 3-1 lead by halftime. Olson later added a goal from distance, and Courson sealed the win with her third of the game.

In their second match, the Cruisers struggled to break down Tenino’s defense, eventually falling behind in the 61st minute. Tenino's Callie Mickleson scored off a pass from Chloe Grayless. However, Courson responded in the 72nd minute, finding the back of the net after a pass from Linnea Lofgren to secure the draw.

The Cruisers were originally scheduled to play two matches this week, but Tuesday’s game against Foss was canceled due to the Falcons being unable to field enough players. Eatonville will now shift focus to their upcoming clash against the Fife Trojans on Thursday, Sept. 19, at 7 p.m., as they open up 2A SPSL League play.

After a strong start to the season, Eatonville will look to build on their momentum as they prepare for tougher competition ahead.