Bremerton's boys soccer playoff run ends in Sammamish: ‘They definitely surprised us’

SAMMAMISH — Roughly nine minutes into Tuesday's Class 2A state boys soccer game between No. 15 Bremerton and No. 2 Sammamish, Knights coach Randy Lund urged his players to calm down. Sammamish had dominated possession up until that point and saw several quality scoring chances turned away.

"Bremerton, take a deep breath," Lund shouted from the sideline at Sammamish High School. "Relax."

A minute later, Sammamish scored its first goal on a header from Andrew Wilbert following a corner kick. The score grew to 2-0 at halftime and the Redhawks added three more goals in the second half to prevail 5-0 and advance to this weekend's quarterfinal round.

"It's the best team I've seen all year," said Lund, whose Knights ended the season with a 13-7-0 record.

Bremerton's Jeremy Ford, one of seven seniors on the roster, said he thought the Knights looked tired and didn't have the same energy the team showed in its 4-0 district tournament win over White River on Saturday.

"Most people were cramping," Ford said. "It's a state game, most people are trying their hardest."

Ford did admit that Sammamish overwhelmed the Knights, playing a style that Bremerton normally likes to use against opponents.

"We are kind of more possession-based, that's how we like to play," Ford said. "That's how they play and we weren't used to it. They definitely surprised us."

Any time Sammamish gained possession of the ball, the Redhawks used quick off-the-ball movement to create passing options and scoring opportunities. Whenever Bremerton had possession, Sammamish players swarmed like flies, resulting in numerous turnovers and transition chances.

Outside of two shots generated in the second half, Bremerton spent much of the game chasing the Redhawks in their own half of the field.

Ford said it was clear based on game that Sammamish's roster has plenty of individual ability, as well as experience working as a unit.

"We have talent, but it's not polished," Ford said. "All their players, most of their players, they play premier club. We have a couple guys. They definitely all play together. They know what they are doing."

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Bremerton only trailed 1-0 through much of the first half thanks to several key saves made by sophomore goalkeeper Malakiah Smith. Sammamish's second goal came came courtesy of a Shea Ansell penalty kick in the 32nd minute. When Abner Hernandez gave the Redhawks a 3-0 advantage three minutes after halftime, the final result felt like a foregone conclusion.

"The further you go, the tougher it is to lose," Lund said.

Ford, who'll play next season at Tacoma Community College, said the fact that Bremerton qualified for state for the first time since 2011 would be a lasting memory for the team's graduation players.

"I was really proud of that, our senior year."

This article originally appeared on Kitsap Sun: Bremerton boys' Washington state soccer playoff run ends in Sammamish