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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

St. George’s shuts out Tacoma Baptist for State 2B/1B boys soccer title

George Edgar Special to The Spokesman-Review

SUMNER, Wash. – Three years ago, St. George’s boys soccer coach Heidi Melville pulled her freshman class aside and told them they were going to do something special.

Saturday night, the Dragons proved her right as they won the State 2B/1B boys soccer championship win a 2-0 decision over Tacoma Baptist at Sunset Chev Stadium.

Michael Thew and Stow Miller, two of those freshmen three years ago, scored the goals for the Dragons (18-3) as they brought the title back to the school that last won it in 2000, completing a long journey over those four years.

“You don’t always get what you deserve, but they got what they deserved,” Melville said. “I pulled these guys aside when they were freshmen, and told them they have the ability to be special. They proved me right, and I like being right.”

“I’ve been playing for four years, and this is the pinnacle,” Miller said. “It’s nice to see a goal get accomplished.”

The game was played at a high pace as the Dragons and the Crusaders (16-2) flew up and down the field, but Melville had her team slow down eventually.

“It got a little sloppy out there,” she said. “We were at a greyhound’s pace, but I told them to slow it down and bring it under control.”

Thew scored the first goal in the 22nd minute, taking a run from the left side and firing away just inside the penalty area.

“That was a beautiful goal,” Melville said. “That was huge for us.”

Miller sealed the win in the 72nd minute, taking the ball on a long run from just before midfield to the Crusaders end and firing away from 20 yards out for the clincher.

“He’s been the engine for four years,” Melville said. “He’s fought to get that recognition as a center midfielder.”

When the final whistle blew, the Dragons mobbed each other on the field. They went along the fence where their fans and family had gathered, and gave them high fives in recognition of their support.

“We had a team that had the ability to play tough,” Miller said. “Everyone gave their best effort, and it showed in the score.

“A state championship, it feels amazing. You can’t ask for anything better.”