The Road to the Title
The 3A Boys WIAA State Soccer Championship unfolded under bright lights at the university's downtown arena, drawing a crowd that reflected the growing popularity of high school soccer in the Pacific Northwest. Both teams entered the match with storied histories, but it was Mercer Island that entered as the underdog, having never before reached the championship game.
From the opening whistle, the Islanders pressed forward with a disciplined attack, and their persistence paid off in the 71st minute when Dylan Jones found the back of the net. The goal was set up by a perfectly placed throw‑in from Kyle Cupic, whose vision and timing created the opening that would prove decisive.
Between the posts, Adam Kiviat, a sophomore goalkeeper, delivered a performance that will be remembered for years. His saves kept Shorewood at bay, preserving a clean sheet and allowing his teammates the space to execute their game plan without the pressure of conceding.
Mercer Island's journey to the final was not without challenge. In the semifinals, the Islanders faced Gig Harbor and secured a 3‑0 victory. Bridge Gerry opened the scoring early, and later goals from Mattias Perrenoud and Dylan Hall sealed the win. Zach Hyman was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player for his dominant midfield play, a testament to his leadership on the field.
The third‑place match saw Gig Harbor edge past Bishop Blanchet 2‑1, with a corner kick delivering the winning header. Max Ames of Bishop Blanchet responded with an equalizer in the 67th minute, but the team could not find a second goal, leaving them just shy of the podium.
Shorewood's path to the championship match was equally dramatic. After a 2‑1 victory over Bishop Blanchet in a penalty shootout, the team's defensive hero Caleb Butler was crowned MVP for his crucial saves and the decisive spot‑kick that sent his side to the final. Butler's performance highlighted the resilience that defined Shorewood's campaign.
Beyond the individual stories, the tournament underscored the growing competitiveness of Washington high school soccer. The WIAA, the governing body for state athletics, has continued to invest in infrastructure and youth development, fostering an environment where teams like Mercer Island can thrive. As the Islanders celebrate their first state title, the community looks forward to building on this momentum for future seasons.