Lynnwood, WA - The Trojans not only secured a full point in the T-Trophy Rivalry Series on Wednesday afternoon against Edmonds College, they also clinched a playoff spot, while at the same time securing the #2 seed from the North Region. This means that the Trojans will host a playoff game for the first time since 2007.
The previous match up between these two teams was a one sided affair back on October 5th in Everett. The Trojans put up 7 goals in that contest, their highest total of the season, and handed the Tritons their 5th shutout of the season. Wednesday afternoon's game was much more evenly matched through the first 40 minutes of action. Just when it appeared as though it would be a scoreless first half, Cristiano Whitaker broke the seal in the 42nd minute. Hakim Keita started the play in transition up the left side of the field. His shot was deflected and landed amidst a swarm of players, one of those being teammate Caleb Hirata who was able to find Whitaker at the top of the box. Cristiano's shot was pure and he picked up his 27th career goal as a Trojan.
Everett was not done in the first half, scoring less than two minutes later. Whitaker was again involved, winning the ball away from an Edmonds player and sending a pass to Anthony Henry who ran past the last defender and beat the keeper. For Henry who typically plays on the defensive half, it was his first goal of the season.
The half ended with EvCC out in front 2-0, and they quickly picked up where they left off in the second half. Five minutes in, the Trojans earned a corner that was taken by sophomore Dilon Spahia. The right footed kick arched away from the goal but found defender Brock Larson's head and he scored his 2nd goal of the season. Two minutes later the game was put on ice when EvCC displayed some beautiful passing that led to a goal from Lunden Fenster. Alhagie Ceesay started the play on the left side, and found Nathan McKenzie at the top of the box. He drew defenders and sent the ball to Anthony Henry on the right side, who one touch passed to Hirata, and he found Fenster off one touch.
Everett held the Tritons to just one shot all afternoon, a free kick that was easily secured by goalkeeper Paddy Murphy. It was Murphy's 6th shutout of the season, but a lot of credit goes to the Trojan defense that held Edmonds to minimal opportunities.
The two games remaining in the regular season on EvCC's schedule will serve as preparation and momentum building for the NWAC playoffs. It will be the program's 7th straight trip to the post season, but the first time since George W. Bush was in office as the President of the United States that the Trojans will host a playoff game. Everett will host Bellevue on Sunday at Everett Memorial Stadium for sophomore recognition day, and close out the regular season on Wednesday, October 30th against Skagit Valley in Mount Vernon.