The long drive to Issaquah proved to be a non-factor for Gulls FC, as they got on the scoreboard early and often in a 4-2 win over ISC Gunners at Issaquah High School.
Juan Oropeza was named man of the match for the second match in a row, and he started the scoring in the first minute. Leftback Noah LaMadrid won the ball in the defensive third and made a long run up the left sideline. He switched a long cross to the far post, where Alex Barene knocked the ball down into the path of Oropeza. His shot beat the keeper to the near post from 6 yards.
The Gulls continued to press for goals, with Aaron Arias and Tony Oropeza both coming close to doubling the lead. However, it was Issaquah who scored next, in the 28th minute. The Gulls did not waste much time in striking back.
In the 38th minute, Aaron Arias played a through ball to Juan Oropeza who beat the keeper one on one, but his touch took him wide of the goal. With the goalie out of the net, Oropeza crossed the ball to Alex Barene who held off his defender and headed the ball into the open goal from 6 yards out.
Just three minutes later, Oropeza added his second goal of the match, picking up the ball on the end line, and surprising the keeper by unleashing a blistering shot from a tight angle that snuck in the near post.
The match went to the half with the Gulls leading 3-1. Issaquah made halftime adjustments that saw them come close on two headed chances in the second half, but the Gulls remained in control of the match. Grays Harbor added their insurance goal in the 50th minute. Tony Oropeza beat two defenders and headed toward goal, but was pulled down from behind 5 yards outside the penalty area. Jacob Irwin took the free kick and put it over the wall and inside the near post, just past the diving keeper.
ISC Gunners added a goal in the 78th minute, but the match had already been decided. Keeper Alexis Garcia was credited with 5 saves on the day, and caught several crosses into the box late in the match as Issaquah attempted the comeback.
The Gulls have won 3 matches in a row, and currently sit in 4th place in the WWPL, only 3 points behind first place Tacoma Narrows. After a bye week, the Gulls host defending WWPL champions Kirkland FC at Stewart Field at 3pm on Saturday, June 22.