SK whips Capital

In the cut-throat atmosphere of playoff soccer, the only question that matters is, “What have you done lately?”

Unlike most other prep sports, soccer is a win-or-go-home competition.

So far, the South Kitsap High School boys soccer team has passed that test, though a huge test awaits this Saturday.

Facing a loser-out game against Capital Saturday at Stadium Bowl, SK made sure its season wasn’t finished yet with a 6-0 shelling of the Cougars.

SK, which played Wilson Monday night for the No. 5 and No. 6 seeds in the West Central District tournament, will either play Thomas Jefferson (14-1-1), the SPSL South champion, or Kentridge (11-1-4), the SPSL North champion, Saturday in Sumner.

Jefferson and Kentridge battle it out for the No. 1 and No. 2 seeds tonight at Sumner.

SK coach Eric Bergeson said he knew his team would defeat Capital before the team arrived in Tacoma.

“I could tell the guys were ready the previous day at practice,” Bergeson said. “There was no laughing or joking around. They were very focused and businesslike.”

Bergeson also had an unblemished playoff record against Capital (4-0) in the six years he’s been at SK.

“I don’t think they like playing us too much,” Bergeson said.

SK (10-2-4) opened the scoring when Brendon Sweglar fed a beautiful cross to Haakon Gangnes in the 21st minute.

By the time the 37th minute rolled around, SK found itself up 4-0 before halftime thanks to an own goal from Capital and goals from Sweglar and Robbie Robinson

“That own goal killed them,” Bergeson said of Capital. “When you’re down two goals you’re still fighting your way back. But that own goal gave us a three-goal lead. The game was over after that.”

Bergeson made sure his team didn’t let up in the second half.

He told his players to play the second half like it was a tie game.

SK responded with Sweglar’s second goal and Francis Pyle’s first varsity goal.

After an up-and-down season, Bergeson’s crew has reeled off an unbeaten record of 3-0-2 over the last five games.

Bergeson said the recent success is a testament to the emergence of senior leadership and the natural development of chemistry.

“We lost a lot of guys from last year so it took us a long time to find ourselves,” Bergeson said. “A lot of the guys have come into their own.”

Identity or not, Bergeson knows there’s a tough road ahead, especially knowing it’s win or go home.

“Any given night someone can step up,” he said. “We’re a team with so many guys that can perform. Hopefully we’ll continue to play good soccer and keep our season.

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