The Capital boys soccer team is 2-0 for the first time under fourth-year head coach Jeremy Richtmyre after defeating Tumwater 2-1 at home Saturday afternoon.
Capital fell behind early as the Thunderbirds took advantage of a turnover and a penalty by the Cougars. In the 14th minute, Malachi Vuong converted on a penalty kick to give Tumwater a 1-0 lead.
Tanner Fricke responded with a penalty kick of his own in the 19th minute, scoring from inside the box. In the 37th, Quin Walz delivered the go-ahead goal off an assist by Leopold Novack. Capital held strong for the final 43 minutes and didn’t allow the T-Birds to tie the game. Cougars goalkeeper Finnegan Landon recorded four saves in the victory.
“We started slow. We came out flat footed and fell behind off a bad turnover which led to a PK,” Richtmyre said. “But the boys trained appropriately after that, generating several chances, two of which found the back of the net. Even though our quality was maybe not 100% there today, I’m very proud of the effort of my boys. They fought and scrapped hard to hold the lead.”
Capital (2-0) now gets a big test against crosstown rival Olympia Tuesday night at Ingersoll Stadium. The Bears outlasted the Cougars 2-1 in last year’s season opener at Swarthout Field.
“I expect some fireworks in this one,” Richtmyre said.
