As the soccer season winds down, both Thomas Jefferson and Federal Way are still in contention for a playoff spot. On Saturday, the two teams played to a 2-2 draw in a pivotal game.
The Raiders knew going into the match that they would be looking up at the Eagles in the standings regardless of the outcome. They also knew that a loss would leave their playoff hopes in the hands of the South Puget Sound League Northeast’s final standings.
For Federal Way, they were hoping to clinch a playoff spot and not have to worry about how they fared in the crossover matches that took place over the last few weeks. A win would guarantee them at least the fourth seed from the South Puget Sound League North’s two divisions and would also give them a small chance at overtaking Todd Beamer for the division crown.
The Raiders got off to a quick start with Makaylie Moore scoring within the first 10 minutes of the game. It was her 13th goal of the season.
The rest of the first half was filled with back-and-forth play for both sides.
Federal Way’s goalkeeper, Piper Hutchinson, had one of the best saves of the day on a free kick. With Moore’s shot looking like it would find its way just underneath the crossbar, Hutchinson stretched out just enough to tip it over the top of the net.
The teams looked even, though it was Jefferson that took a 1-0 lead into the half.
The second half scoring chances happened quickly for both teams as they stayed aggressive. Federal Way struck first in the half.
Julian Johnson took the ball just inside the left corner of the box before launching a shot at the goal. It beat Jefferson’s keeper, Samantha Simundson, to tie the game in the 47th minute.
Minutes later, Federal Way had another scoring chance when Cayla Wells got past defenders and a one-on-one opportunity with Simundson. Simundson read the shot perfectly and deflected it just outside the net.
Just eight minutes after Federal Way tied the game, Jefferson answered back. Jasmine Pleasants found Kiersten Madsen in the crowd on a corner. Madsen headed the ball high into the net and past Hutchinson for the Raiders second goal and the lead.
Another defensive breakdown gave Federal Way another one-on-one opportunity in the 71st minute. Team captain Hannah Kimura put on a few moves before sinking the ball into the back of the net from close range.
The 2-2 tie held until the end.
Jefferson’s playoff chances took another hit on Tuesday when they lost to Todd Beamer 1-0. They now have to hope that Kentlake can claim the third seed in the South Puget Sound League Northeast. They defeated the Falcons 1-0 on Oct. 9 and therefore hold the tiebreaker for the fifth seed.
Currently, the Falcons trail Kentwood by four points with two games left, including one against the Conquerors. Kentwood has only Kentlake remaining on their schedule.
Jefferson will face Decatur in their final regular season game at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 27 at Federal Way Memorial Stadium.
Federal Way clinched a West Central District Three playoff spot with the Jefferson loss. They tied with Mount Rainier on Tuesday. Their final game is against Todd Beamer at 3:30 p.m. today at Federal Way Memorial Stadium.
The West Central District playoffs will begin on Nov. 3.
