Everett, WA - First year head Coach Nicole Nsa got her first collegiate career win on Saturday, and it came on the heels of a three goal performance by redshirt freshman Sydney VanNess. The Trojans entered north region play against Shoreline CC after a tough pre-season schedule against three perennial playoff contenders in Spokane, Tacoma, and North Idaho. Despite heading into the contest with an 0-3 record, EvCC played with confidence and poise. Shoreline were the aggressors in the first 25 minutes of the match, generating 7 shots, two of which were on goal forcing a couple of saves by freshman EvCC goalkeeper Vanessa Perez. Sydney VanNess got off the lone shot for the Trojans but it went just over the crossbar.
Sydney got another chance in the 29th minute on a free kick from about 38 yards out from the left side of the field. With percision the ball was placed just outside the reach of the Shoreline goalkeeper and Sydney put the Trojans on the board 1-0 with her first career collegiate goal. Shoreline continued to put pressure on the Trojan defense with another shot on goal (saved by Perez) but Sydney would strike again, beating two defenders on two touches and scored from 36 yards out to put the Trojans up 2-0 minutes before the halftime whistle.
The Dolphins came out hot after the break, and scored their first goal just 3 minutes into the 2nd half and later drew the game even at 2-2 with another goal three minutes later. After that initial blitz from Shoreline, Everett settled in defensively and eliminated the mistakes that led to the first two goals. Both teams played solid through the remainder of the game, but it was Sydney VanNess that would complete the hat-trick, with her shortest goal of the day coming at 33 yards out in the 87th minute. Shoreline would get one last shot on goal in the 90th minute, but Vanessa Perez would make the save, and ensure the first win of the season for Everett.
The Trojans now 1-0 in North Region are tied atop the standings along with Edmonds and Peninsula who also got wins over the weekend. Everett will travel to Edmonds on Wednesday for a rivalry showdown and will play their next home game on Saturday, September 18th against Skagit Valley College.