Stunning Upset: Cruisers Topple League Leader Montesano

In a rollercoaster week filled with highs and heart-stopping moments, the Eatonville Cruisers showcased their resilience and determination, securing three crucial victories in the 1A Evergreen League.

After a disappointing loss to Raymond/South Bend last week, ending their impressive four-game winning streak, the Cruisers bounced back with an unyielding spirit. Their triumphant journey began on Monday, April 8th, as they hosted the Elma Eagles in a match filled with drama and intensity.

The game started ominously for Eatonville as a defensive lapse allowed Elma to seize an early lead. However, displaying the trademark resilience that defines their team, the Cruisers quickly adapted, reshaping their formations to nullify their opponents' threats. Bennett Cole's precise free kick found Ignacio Sanz, whose composed finish restored parity to the scoreline.

As the game progressed, Eatonville's relentless pressure paid dividends, with Victor Pena capitalizing on a defensive mix-up to level the scores once more. The contest ebbed and flowed, with both teams refusing to concede defeat. With the final whistle blowing and the scores deadlocked, the match entered a nerve-wracking overtime period.

Tensions soared as both teams fought tooth and nail for victory. In the dying seconds of overtime, Trent Cressman's heroic slide tackle denied Elma a last-gasp chance, forcing the game into a dramatic penalty shootout. Goalkeeper Nate Goode emerged as the hero, making crucial saves to secure a thrilling 4-3 shootout win for the Cruisers.

Buoyed by their hard-fought victory, Eatonville faced their toughest challenge yet on Wednesday, April 10th, as they welcomed the league-leading Montesano Bulldogs to town. Determined to avenge their earlier defeat, the Cruisers came out with guns blazing.

The game burst into life as Trent Cressman calmly converted a penalty kick, giving Eatonville an early advantage. Their relentless pressure yielded dividends once more, with Austen Quirie tapping in a delightful cross from Bennett Cole to double the lead before halftime at 2-0.

However, Montesano refused to go down without a fight, clawing their way back into the game with two scrappy goals in the second half. Despite the Bulldogs' resurgence, Eatonville's defense held firm, thanks in large part to the heroics of goalkeeper Nate Goode.

Eatonville Cruisers' goal keeper Nate Goode soars above the rest of the players to secure a shot on goal by a Montesano player. Goode's performance in goal would be key in the Cruisers victory over the Bulldogs. Photo: Heather Quirie

As the game entered sudden death overtime, tensions reached fever pitch. It was then that freshman Nathan Christensen etched his name into Cruisers folklore with a stunning long-range 25-yard strike, securing a memorable victory and sending the home crowd into a frenzy.

Riding high on their wave of momentum, Eatonville rounded off the week with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Forks Spartans.

In a closely contested first half, the Cruisers secured a goal when Ignacio Sanz skillfully slotted the ball into the far post after executing a remarkable cut that left his defender trailing to take a 1-0lead into the half.

In the second half, Forks would find the back of the net and score the equalizer early. Despite maintaining the share of the possessions, the Cruisers struggled to find the decisive pass to penetrate the Spartan defense.

With just four minutes remaining in the match, Eatonville executed an impressive triangle possession play involving multiple players, culminating in a layback pass to Trent Cressman, who unleashed a powerful shot from 30 yards out, beating the goalkeeper and finding the upper left corner of the net.

Subsequently, the Cruisers effectively employed various game tactics to fend off the Spartans and run out the clock to secure the 2-1 victory.

With three consecutive wins under their belt, marking possibly their best week in recent history, the Cruisers find themselves locked in a fierce battle for second place in the league standings, tied with Raymond/South Bend.

Eatonville will honor their seniors in their final regular season home match on Monday April 15th when they host the Hoquiam Grizzlies, before heading out on the road for matches against Ilwaco on Wednesday April 17th and Tenino on Friday April 19th.

As the regular season approaches its conclusion, Eatonville's unyielding determination and never-say-die attitude make them a force to be reckoned with in the 1A Evergreen League. With their sights set firmly on the top spot, the Cruisers continue their relentless pursuit of glory.