Injury-riddled Chiefs fall in soccer playoffs

PASCO — After making their first district playoff appearance in recent memory, the Moses Lake Chiefs boys soccer team had a less-than-ideal end to the season.

Injuries forced starters Dominic Anzelini, Isac Bergeson, Seth Bruneel and Bobby Alwine to the sidelines during various points in Saturday's contest with Pasco. The Bulldogs, who earned a share of the Columbia Basin League regular-season title, dominated throughout and walked away with a 5-0 triumph.

Moses Lake head coach Bill Bertram said fatigue seemed to be a factor in his team's season-ending loss.

"We played five games in eight days," Bertram said. "To have to play the No. 1 team in the league on the road without all my top horses was tough."

Still, Bertram was pleased with how the season turned out. The Chiefs finished with an overall mark of 9-9 and made their first district playoff appearance in at least seven years.

"It's a very big point for Moses Lake soccer," he said.

Shayne Kelly had two goals and Bryce Wilson added three assists for Pasco, which advanced to Tuesday night's district championship game against Davis. The winner of that contest clinched a state playoff berth.

Pasco had 15 shots on goal to Moses Lake's two, with Chief goalkeepers Mitch Harder and Jeff Erlenmeyer combining for 10 saves.

In last Thursday's playoff opener, Moses Lake overcame a two-goal deficit to earn a 4-3 overtime victory at Richland.

The host Bombers scored at the 33-minute and 38-minute marks in the first half, taking a 2-0 lead into halftime. They took advantage of the Chiefs' weakside defense, which led Bertram to make some changes at the break.

After moving Harder to defense and switching defenders Bergeson, Alwine and Alec Robillard to midfield, the Chiefs responded early in the second half. They trimmed their deficit on Alwine's goal, assisted by Seth Bruneel, in the 42nd minute. Bruneel set up the goal with a crossing pass, which Alwine converted with a rocket shot near the top of the 18-yard box.

Richland restored its two-goal lead five minutes later, but Moses Lake answered again in the 52nd minute. A Bombers defensive miscue allowed Chief Mick Aney to pick up the ball and score from 10 yards out.

With just two minutes left in regulation time, the Chiefs got the equalizer as Bergeson set up Richie Ramirez.

Bruneel and Aney teamed up for the game-winner in the second overtime. The Chiefs controlled momentum for most the extra session, and scored when Aney drove the ball to goal and Bruneel tapped it home.

"The fellas worked their tails off and never gave up," Bertram said. "They are a testament to the character of Chiefs soccer."