The turf may be artificial but the games are real.
Sequim’s Wolves looked to pull out a victory in their first game on artificial turf last week against North Kitsap in a battle of two top Olympic League teams, but came up on the short end of a 2-1 decision on April 13.
Viking Garrett Wilder poked a shot past Sequim keeper Byron Boots three minutes into the first overtime period for the game-winner.
The blast kept North Kitsap undefeated and also kept intact the Vikings’ home winning streak, now up to 24 games.
Sequim looked to dominate play early, but Sequim coach Dave Brasher said North Kitsap’s athleticism wore down the Wolves.
"The first 20 minutes were about the best we played all year," Brasher said. "We got a goal and were really controlling the play. I think it took them by surprise."
Nick Camporini broke open the scoring just six minutes in, taking an Aldo Garcia pass and redirecting it into the goal.
Sequim nearly made it 2-0 moments later when Mitch McHugh broke through the Viking defense and set up Daniel Servin for a shot that was deflected wide.
North Kitsap battled back but couldn’t get one past Boots in the first half, giving Sequim a 1-0 lead at halftime.
After Sequim was called for a penalty 22 yards from the Wolves’ goal, North’s Marco Lopez sent a free kick over the Sequim defense and into the upper right-hand corner, knotting the game at 1-1.
It stayed that way until the three-minute mark in the first overtime, when Wilder drove in from the left side and found the left corner, past a diving Boots.
"I think it boiled down to they were in better shape than we were," Brasher said.
Brasher said he added a game to the schedule just before the playoffs – a rematch with the Vikings on the turf on May 13 – to help Sequim prep for postseason play, since all postseason games are on artificial turf. In fact, Sequim’s final four road games – versus Olympic, Klahowya, Kingston and the NK rematch – are all on the turf.
"We’re set up pretty well (for the playoffs)," Brasher said. "Hopefully we can bounce back."
Sequim was slated to play at Bremerton on April 20 – results were unavailable at press time. The Wolves host Port Angeles on April 23 and are at Olympic on April 27.
Olympic League standings
(as of April 18)
Team Lg. Over.
North Kitsap 5-0 8-0-0
Kingston 5-1 7-1-0
Bremerton 4-1 5-3-2
Sequim 3-2 6-2-0
Olympic 2-3 2-7-0
Pt. Angeles 2-3 3-7-0
North Mason 2-4 3-5-0
Pt. Townsend 1-4 3-5-0
Klahowya 0-6 1-9-0
