Critchfield Lifts Shadow Over Everett
The Spokane Shadow must be ecstatic Chad Critchfield decided to return home from the Tri-Cities to play for them.
A month after joining the club, Critchfield overcame recent mediocre performances by scoring both of Spokane’s goals in the Shadow’s second win of the season, 2-1 over the Everett Bigfoot in front of 1,800 spectators at Spokane Falls Community College.
“I decided to come here because of the quality of play,” said Critchfield, a University High School and UW graduate. “I think people will be able to go places out of the USISL (United States Interregional Soccer League).”
After both teams traded goals to start the second half, Spokane’s Dave Berto took the ball to the Everett endline and lofted a pass in front of the goal. The ball deflected off Bigfoot goalkeeper Marcelo Sulantay’s hands and fell in front of Critchfield, who blooped it in from 5 yards out.
“That goal was every forwards dream,” Critchfield said. “Berto gave me a great a pass and I had the open net.”
The Shadow (2-4) opened the scoring 40 seconds into the second half as Critchfield headed in a pass from Jim Martinson.
At the 19-minute mark of the second half, Everett scored the equalizer on a blast from Gerd Strom from 20 yards out, catching the top right corner of the net.
Thirty-one seconds later, Critchfield knocked in the winner.
“We stayed with our game plan throughout the entire game,” Shadow coach Einar Thorarinsson said. “We used a low-pressure tactic, trying to make them find the seams. We did a good job of closing those seams.”
With the win, Spokane avenged a 4-3 loss to the Bigfoot six weeks ago in Everett.
The Shadow return to action June 24 at SFCC against the Yakima Reds before heading out on a two-game road trip in Everett and Yakima.
Spokane 3, Everett 2
First half - None. Second half - 1, Spokane, Critchfield (Martinson) 30:40. 2, Strom 40:45. 3, Spokane, Critchfield (Berto) 41:16.
Shots on goal - Everett 13, Spokane 12.
Saves - Everett, Sulantay 8. Spokane, Merritt 7.