In the opening round of the Washington Class 2A state boys soccer tournament, the Pullman High School boys team fell 2-0 to Hockinson.
Both goals came from set pieces in the second half, with Makhai Velazquez finding the net in the 41st minute and Brayden Clark adding the second in the 45th.
Coach Doug Winchell acknowledged after the match that his side struggled to handle Hockinson’s set-piece routines, a focus he plans to address in upcoming games.
Hockinson outshot Pullman 12-2 overall and held a 9-2 advantage in corner kicks, maintaining control of midfield play throughout.
The match saw Hockinson’s most dangerous attack in the 24th minute, a chance that was nullified by an offside call before the break.
Heading into halftime, Pullman managed only a single shot while Hockinson had five on target, underscoring the pressure the opposing side applied.
Looking Ahead
Winchell emphasized the need for more competitive fixtures to build resilience, noting that exposure to high-pressure situations will be crucial for his squad’s development.
Despite the loss, the Pullman High School program remains committed to refining defensive organization and set-piece execution as they look to rebound in future tournaments.