Close. Painfully close.

Sequim’s varsity soccer squad fell short in a pair of games last week to open Olympic League play.

On Sept. 22, Kingston edged Sequim in penalty kicks for a 1-0 win.

Two days later, the Wolves had a shot to knock off the visiting Port Angeles Roughriders after Sequim’s Bobbi Sparks scored a goal just seven minutes in, but Roughrider Maddie Boe evened the game before halftime. The teams played a scoreless second half, but a Sequim turnover in their half of the field led to an Emily Boyd score just two minutes into overtime, giving PA a 2-1 victory.

“They played their hearts out (and) had an excellent game,” Sequim coach Brittany Murdach said of her Wolves.

“We had some great opportunities to capitalize on our counter-attacks. Sometimes it goes that way. PA had a great game, too.”

The teams square off in Port Angeles on Oct. 15.

“The main thing I told them is to leave with their chins up,” Murdach said. “One thing we’ve been pushing for is to empty their tank by the end of the game. If they’ve done that, that’s a success in itself.”

In junior varsity action, Sequim topped Kingston 4-1 on Sept. 22 and earned a draw with Port Angeles two days later.

Looking ahead

Sequim was scheduled to play at North Mason on Sept. 29. The Wolves are at North Kitsap on Oct. 1 and host Port Townsend in a Saturday special set for 12:45 p.m. on Oct. 3.

Olympic League standings

(as of Sept. 28)

Team Lg. Over.

North Mason 1-0-0        3-1-0

Olympic 1-0-0        2-1-2

North Kitsap 1-1-0        5-1-0

Bremerton 1-1-0        2-2-1

Port Angeles 1-1-0        4-1-0

Kingston 1-1-0       2-3-0

Sequim 0-2-0        1-3-1