MIHS boys soccer advance to KingCo title game

By Megan Managan • May 11, 2010 2:05 pm
Mercer Island senior mid-fielder Jene Wook-Shin sprints to catch the ball before it goes out of bounds during the first half of the Islanders’ KingCo tournament game against Juanita.
Mercer Island senior mid-fielder Jene Wook-Shin sprints to catch the ball before it goes out of bounds during the first half of the Islanders’ KingCo tournament game against Juanita.

After barely beating Juanita High School last week, the Mercer Island boys soccer team stepped up its efforts in the first round of the KingCo tournament. The Islanders beat Juanita 5-1.

The Islanders quickly found their stride, scoring three goals in the first half on Monday night.

Jene Wook-Shin was the first to put the ball in the net Monday night off a Nick Ward pass in the 27th minute. Minutes later, Matt McNamara scored off an assist from Jordan Morris, who turned around and scored his own goal a minute later for a 3-0 halftime lead.

In the second half, the Islanders didn’t slow down, when senior defender Kenny Nelson scored in the 45th minute. Juanita’s Garrett Johnson put the Rebels on the board in the 46th minute, but a last goal from Danny Strome, assisted by McNamara, ended the game.

The Islanders will now face Sammamish for the KingCo tournament title tonight at MIHS starting at 7 p.m.

The winner of Wednesday’s game will face a Metro league team on Saturday, May 15, for the last spot to the state tournament.

Prior to the game, members of the conference were honored for their work this season.

The Islanders had four team members make the KingCo first team, including: Matt Johnson, Taylor Ward, Tyler Ybarra and Danny Strome, all seniors.

Making the KingCo second team this season included: Jene Wook-Shin, James Kashima and Nick Ward, while David Yount and C.T. Crow were given honorable mentions.