The 2A Boys WIAA State Soccer Championship concluded with Bainbridge clinching its second state title in a tense penalty shootout, capping a season that saw the team finish the regular campaign unbeaten and seeded first in the bracket.
A Early Lead and a Swift Equalizer
Squalicum struck first, with Maddox Strickland finding the net in the second minute to put the visitors ahead. Bainbridge answered back in the 50th minute when Ryder Mortensen leveled the score, forcing the contest into a shootout that would decide the champion.
Historic Performances and Future Seeds
Columbia River claimed third place by edging Sehome 2-1, a result highlighted by Teagan Goaring's two first‑half goals and Mason Ivcevic's strike in the 60th minute. The victory added to Columbia River's impressive collection of five state trophies, including titles in 2018, 2023 and the previous season.
Squalicum, a three‑time champion with previous titles in 2022, 2012 and 2009, advanced to the final with a 3-0 semifinal win over Columbia River, where Crew Johnson, Oliver Hoglin and Cody McCaulley contributed to the offense. The tournament also featured standout goalkeeping from Cooper Harrington, whose three saves in the shootout secured the championship for Bainbridge.
Beyond the final, the event underscored the depth of talent in Washington high school soccer, with teams such as Sehome reaching the final four for the fourth consecutive year and boasting a record 13 total trophies in the 2A division. As the state looks ahead, Bainbridge enters the next season as the top seed, while programs like Columbia River continue to build on a legacy of excellence.