Pullman Turns Back Steilacoom, Dons 2A Soccer Crown

The Pullman Greyhounds dominated the second half and raced past the Steilacoom Sentinels for a 4-2 victory Saturday in the State 2A boys soccer championship match.

It was the Greyhounds’ first state title in soccer.

Senior reserve Mike Johnson scored at the 20-minute mark of the first half to stake Pullman (17-2-1) to a 1-0 halftime lead.

Pullman opened the second half with three unanswered goals and was never threatened.

Trevor Tharp got things running for the Greyhounds with a goal at the 50-minute mark. Three minutes later, Ryan Bickle connected and stretched the lead to 3-0.

George Souza’s goal in the 72nd minute made it 4-0.

Steilacoom cut the lead to 4-1 with 7 minutes left in the game on a goal by Nick Valentine.

Brian Ford’s goal in the 78th minute rounded out the scoring for the Sentinels.

Pullman outshot Steilacoom 26-13 for the game.

Greyhounds keeper Dave Law had five saves.

“Boy, we had a great season,” said Pullman assistant coach Dave Tharp. “I’m really sorry to see it end. Our guys were beat after last night’s overtime win over East Valley, but they hung tough and got it done.”

Ridgefield handed East Valley of Yakima its second straight 2-1 overtime loss in the consolation finals.