Saturday's match was a must win if Gulls FC want to finish in the top six of the WWPL this season. Facing their rivals, Lacey FC, Grays Harbor knew they would have to bring their best. Scoring two goals in the first half and one more in second, and allowing just 2 shots on goal, the Gulls did just that.
The match got off to a great start for the Gulls. An Alex Pugadelarosa corner was taken on a full right-footed volley by Jonathan Molina and demolished into the net past the keeper and a defender.
In the 17th minute, Lacey got on the board without even shooting. A Lacey player took the ball to the end line and crossed it into the box. The wind caught the ball and blew it back into the far corner of the net .
On 36 minutes, the Gulls won one of their many attacking freekicks. Juanito Lopez took the kick from 25 yards out and bent it around the right end of the wall and past the diving keeper to retake the lead.
For much of the remainder of the match, the Gulls were happy to posses the ball, finding several chances to shoot, but couldn't find the back of the net. Lacey registered just one shot in the second half. The Gulls wrapped the game up in the 63rd minute from another set piece. Juan Oropeza lofted in a long freekick that hung up in the wind. As the ball dropped, the keeper was only able to get one hand to it, directing it to Alex Barene who finished over two Lacey players on the goal line from 12 yards out.
Coach Drew Grannemann believed this match was the most complete 90 minutes his squad has played this season. Juan Oropeza was named man of the match for controlling the game in the midfield and adding one assist.
The next match for the Gulls is just as important, as they travel to Issaquah to play ISC Gunners at Issaquah High School at 3pm on Saturday, June 8.