NWC to play for third in 1B

SUMNER, Wash. – Unfortunately for the Northwest Christian Crusaders, they got an up-close-and-personal view of why the Tacoma Baptist Crusaders are the defending State 1B boys soccer champions.

Pure speed.

The Crusaders from Tacoma used that speed to knock off Northwest Christian 5-1 Friday night in the 1B semifinals at Sunset Chev Stadium.

The Crusaders (9-11-1) from Colbert will play La Conner in the consolation final today at noon. La Conner lost 2-1 to Bear Creek in the other semifinal.

“That’s about the fastest team I’ve ever seen,” NWC coach Mica Lamb said of Tacoma Baptist. “They just have incredible speed up front and in their midfield.

“The first five or 10 minutes I thought we had some chances, but after they scored the dam broke loose.

“It’s tough, but I’m super proud of my boys today.”

Tacoma Baptist drew first blood in the 18th minute, as senior forward Josh Peters scored off a rebound at point-blank range. Northwest Christian goalkeeper Daniel Amado stopped the initial shot from the right side, but Peters corralled the rebound and put it into the open left corner of the goal on the back side.

The Crusaders from Tacoma added another goal just two minutes later when a cutting Dakinah Palmquist scored on a header. The play was set up off a booming throw-in, which took a timely bounce in the middle of the field before Palmquist darted in head first and put it in the right corner of the goal.

“Their speed is definitely their greatest strength,” NWC forward Jeffery Gullikson said.

“They get behind you and that’s how they score.”

The shifty Palmquist added another goal in 40th minute, scoring on a laser shot from the right side from 10 yards out – putting the ball into the left corner.

Tacoma Baptist (16-2-1) outshot Northwest Christian 6-1 in the first half.

Things got no better for NWC in the second half as Tacoma Baptist continued to apply pressure on offense and fend off any attack on defense.

Northwest Christian’s best chance to gain back some momentum came in the 52nd minute, but Gullikson’s shot from the left side missed wide.

“They’re a great team. They’re the best team we’ve seen all year,” Lamb said. “Most B schools, you’ll have 4-5 really good players and a few holes here and there. I didn’t see one weak player on that team.”

Three minutes later, Tacoma Baptist’s Peters scored his second goal of the game.

Northwest Christian’s lone goal came in the 68th minute on a header by Gullikson.