Wahluke Warriors win 2 to go 12-3 in soccer
Wahluke's Ramon Bravo (black uniform) gets around a Granger defender looking for a pass.
MATTAWA - Wahluke won two of three SCAC soccer games last week, and it was the one that slipped away that was heart-breaking.
The Warriors gave up a 1-0 half-time lead early in the second half and eventually lost, 2-1, to Granger. A win would have put the Warriors in first place, but they fell to third.
That's likely where Wahluke (12-3) will finish after the season finale at home with Royal. That game will be played at 4 p.m. today.
Third place guarantees a home opener Saturday against Connell or Mabton in the district playoffs. The Warriors will start their quest for a sixth state title.
Coach Arthur DeVictoria is not one to make excuses, but his club suffered a major blow when freshman forward Emmanuel Hidalgo was injured early and had to leave the field against Granger.
"He's an important kid for us," DeVictoria said. "He's everybody's kid brother."
Wahluke scored its goal mid-way through the half on a spectacular play by Ramon Bravo. Charging toward the goal on a break-away, he drew the goalie out and headed a dink over his outstretched arms, with the ball rolling into the netting.
Bravo has signed to play on scholarship for South Puget Sound Community College next year. So has stellar Wahluke goal keeper Alan Caro.
The week ended with an 8-0 thumping of Kiona-Benton. Luis Veloz, Ramon Bravo and Juan Bravo scored two goals each, and Librado Barajas and Luis Vaca got one each.
Earlier last week, the Warriors defeated Warden, 5-0, scoring three times in the second half. Ramon Bravo scored twice, and Barajas, Hidalgo and Angel Cruz scored once.