On Sept. 16, a glorious fall day, the Lady Vikings soccer team proved to be a force to contend with as they faced their counterparts from Concrete.

The first goal was scored by dive-bomber Grace Thompson. Stephanie Shaw scored the second goal on a rebound kick after the Concrete team was penalized for a hand ball.

Shortly afterwards, Shaw was kicked on the underside of her leg and she was sidelined for the rest of the game.

Then, with 31 minutes left to go, Concrete scored on a penalty kick for pushing in the box, and the score was 2-1.

In later play, after scoring a second goal for Orcas, Grace Thompson was pursuing the ball downfield when her legs were kicked out from under her. She too was then out for the rest of the game.

With one minute left to go, Maddy Smith scored as the ball slipped through the Concrete goalies’ hands, for a final score of 4-1.

The following Thursday, Sept. 18, the day was a little cloudier, and so was the play in the Orcas’ game against Mt. Vernon Christian.

Mt. Vernon scored first, but with 13 seconds left in the first half, Hannah North put the ball back in play on a penalty kick and Sofie Thixton shot the ball into the net on what most observers called a team goal.

With the score tied 1-1 at the second half, Grace Thompson lofted a ball from the Orcas sidelines almost into the goal, and Huxley Smart sank it in for the lead.

The girls finished the game 2-1.

Team coach Chama Anderson said, “On Tuesday’s game, they played great as a team. It’s not just about individuals scoring, it’s about have the team set up offensively and defensively so there’s lots of cohesiveness on the field. The didn’t have to work so hard because they played smarter. It showed.

“On Thursday’s game, they had to work harder. My goal is to get them to a skill level so they have clarity of mind to see the field and think what they’re options are.

“That’s why we’re out here – to learn to be consistent with skills no matter who you’re playing, to play smart and with intensity.

“I’m totally proud of them.”

Chama also noted the large fan turnout to support the Lady Vikings games, including members of the community who don’t have family members on the team. “It’s so beautiful to have that community support, and may it continue.”