Senior Night and a Road Victory Fuel Eatonville's District Hopes as Cruisers Cap the Regular Season

The Eatonville Cruisers boys soccer team went 1-1 this week, picking up a hard-fought road win over Orting on Tuesday before falling to Steilacoom in an emotional Senior Night at home on Thursday.

The Eatonville Cruisers honored six seniors on Thursday night during an emotional Senior Night ceremony. The group has been praised by head coach Mark Phillips for representing the school and community with integrity, character and class throughout their careers. Photo: Heather Quirie

The Cruisers traveled to Orting on Tuesday April 28^th and came away with a 2-1 victory over the Cardinals, fueled by relentless attacking pressure and a standout performance in goal from Cypress Pacatte.

Eatonville controlled much of the first half, generating 10 shots and consistently testing the Orting defense. The Cardinals struck first in the 16th minute, but the Cruisers responded with composure, continuing to push forward until Gui Vilaverde Araujo leveled the match in the 28th minute.

The second half brought more of the same from Eatonville, and the decisive moment came in the 69th minute when Ben finished off a well-timed assist from Vilaverde Araujo to give the Cruisers the lead for good.

Pacatte was instrumental throughout, finishing with nine saves to keep the Cruisers ahead when it mattered most.

Thursday's Senior Night did not produce the result Eatonville was hoping for, but the evening carried significance well beyond the final score as Eatonville honored six players who have defined the program during their time as Cruisers.

Steilacoom wasted no time, converting a penalty in the 7th minute and adding goals in the 22nd and 25th minutes to build a three-goal advantage. Pacatte kept it from being worse, recording five saves before halftime. Ben pulled one back for Eatonville in the 27th minute, and Vilaverde Araujo added another via penalty in the second half, but the Sentinels scored once more late to secure the win.

Pacatte finished with 10 saves in the second half alone, doing everything he could to keep the Cruisers within striking distance.

The night centered on recognizing six players who have left a lasting mark on the Eatonville program.

Kodiak Doyle, a smart and composed outside defender, brought consistency to the back line throughout his career. Jake Brannon anchored the defense as a center back and served as a vocal leader all season. Carl Lucas demonstrated versatility and composure, filling multiple roles as needed. Connor McIlraith, the team's captain, organized and inspired from the back alongside Brannon. Tyson Baker Zengota brought relentless intensity and grit to every match regardless of the scoreline. And Vilaverde Araujo, a Brazilian exchange student, showcased creativity, passion, and leadership in the midfield, leaving a lasting impact on the program in just one season.

Head Coach Mark Phillips was candid in his praise for the group.

"Our five seniors, along with our exchange student, have represented our school and our community with integrity, high character, and class in a way that deserves to be acknowledged," Phillips said. "The way they've carried themselves, on the pitch, in the classroom, and in every interaction, has set a standard that reflects what this program is all about."

Phillips added that the group's influence extended beyond their individual performances.

"They've led not just with their play, but with their example. They've shown what it means to compete the right way, to support their teammates, and to handle both adversity and success with composure," he said.

"Speaking personally, it has been an absolute honor and privilege to coach this group. You don't always get athletes who buy in fully, who care deeply, and who represent something bigger than themselves, but this group has done exactly that. They've left a lasting mark on this program. We are grateful for them, proud of them, and excited to see what's ahead for each of them."

The Cruisers are now waiting to learn their postseason fate. The top five teams from both the 2A SPSL and 2A Olympic leagues have already clinched berths in the district tournament. The Olympic League wraps up its regular season Tuesday, May 5, after which the playoff committee will convene to vote on the remaining two at-large bids. Eatonville is hoping to be selected as one of those teams.