The Friday Harbor High School boys soccer team, which is ranked second in the state among 2B/1B teams, wrapped up its regular season and had a playoff game on Nov. 5 against Crosspoint.

“These guys have worked hard and deserve support,” said Head Coach Tyler Howe. “Through our record, they have earned the right to host our first district playoff match which is a tremendous opportunity for us.”

The team played Mt. Vernon Christian on Oct. 15 but fell in overtime 0–1. Nick Herko and Luke Erickson both played solid games, according to Howe, and came close to scoring and putting their team in the lead but the Mt. Vernon team was able to pull out a victory in sudden-victory overtime.

“The game featured chances on both ends, with Herko and Erickson coming close to giving their team the lead,” said Assistant Coach Sam Paul-Barrette, “but we were unable to breakthrough.”

On Oct.19, the Wolverines faced off against Grace Academy in Friday Harbor at the Linde Community Park field. Falling behind early in the game after a goal by Grace Academy, Friday Habor was able to turn it around and score a penalty kick by Emmett Carrier. Just before the end of the first half, Freshman Kai Miniken scored his fourth goal of the season, putting the Wolverines in the lead 2-1.

“Friday Harbor played stellar possession soccer and got a multitude of chances on goal,” said Paul-Barrette. “The Wolverines came out of the half-time break fired up, continuing to dominate on possession.”

Miniken scored his second goal of the game in the second half with an assist from Erickson. Herko also scored a second goal shortly after, with a pass from Carrier who also went on the gain another goal for his team before the end of the game.

“The win puts Friday Harbor at the ten-win mark for the fifth time in six seasons,” said Paul-Barrette, “solidifying second place in the Northwest League and a home district playoff game in the coming weeks.”

The boys had a big win against LaConner on Oct. 22, ending the game at 10–1 and then redeemed themselves against Mount Vernon Christian on Oct. 26, winning that match 4–1. “We played very well in the first 20 minutes of that game,” said Howe. “Miniken had a hat trick and Erickson had a nice goal after some great passing down the right side.”

The team also gained player Satchel Pieples, who returned last week after an injury and brings a lot of energy and enthusiasm to the field, according to Howe.

“I am confident that, when these guys are focused, they can compete with anybody,” said Howe. “We just have to do it.”