The Bainbridge High School boys soccer team capped an unprecedented season by winning the Class 2A state championship, finishing unbeaten at 23‑0 after a dramatic penalty shootout against Squalicum.
A Penalty Shootout for the Ages
The championship match, played at Federal Way Memorial Stadium on May 30, saw Squalicum strike first in the third minute when Maddux Strickland opened the scoring. Bainbridge answered in the 50th minute through Ryder Mortensen, sending the game into overtime where neither side could break the deadlock.
When the extra period produced no further goals, the contest moved to a shootout. Goalkeeper Cooper Harrington emerged as the hero, saving three of Squalicum’s attempts while Bainbridge’s Cruz Piland, Magnus Hauge and Howard Howlett IV converted their chances to seal the victory.
Harrington’s performance was all the more impressive given the team’s preparation. Coach Nowak revealed that the squad had practiced penalty kicks daily since their previous shootout win, a routine that clearly paid dividends when it mattered most.
Beyond the final whistle, the triumph was celebrated by families and staff alike. Nowak’s father, who had traveled from New York to watch, witnessed the climax alongside assistants Kolby Jaurez, Porter Herbig and Carissa Fallan, all of whom were praised for their behind‑the‑scenes contributions.
The championship marks the culmination of a journey that included a painful semifinal loss to North Kitsap the previous year. Nowak highlighted the team’s resilience and character, noting that the unbeaten record reflects not just talent but the collective spirit of a group that refused to back down.