MI loses starting goalkeeper
By Matt Phelps
Mercer Island Reporter
Mercer Island saw a shutout from both sides of the ball last week as the girls’ soccer team opened the season with a split. But the loss of starting goalkeeper Tyler Ledbetter will have a more lasting effect on the team.
Ledbetter was knocked out of the opening season game against Mount Si on Sept. 4. Islander senior Maxie Gumprecht took her place.
“She did really well and played very strong,” said Mercer Island girls’ soccer coach Adam Gervis. “This was her first varsity experience, but she is a natural athlete.”
Ledbetter replaced graduated three-year starter Kat Meagley. The Islanders lost to the Wildcats 3-0.
“We only gave up one second- half goal, so we played well,” said Gervis. “We are a very young team, and we have to learn how to play together, and this was the first step. We will do a lot better against Mount Si the next time we see them.”
One reason for Gervis’ optimism is the youth of his team this season. Islander sophomore co-captain Erin Bourguignon is one of those young players making an impact this year. Bourguignon got Mercer Island on the board against Interlake Thursday as the team rolled to a 4-0 victory.
The score came eight minutes into the second half and the penalty kick surprised everyone including her coach.
“The ball was in the net before the goalkeeper could react,” said Gervis. “Just a rocket shot.”
The score woke the Islanders from a 128 minute scoreless streak to start the season and the shooting practice began. Colleen Hannah took a pass from teammate Kara Lungmus four minutes later and put the ball into the Interlake goal for the 2-0 lead.
“Last year we tied this game (at Interlake),” said Gervis. “It was nice to see them get after it, but we could have had more goals.”
Hannah scored again four minutes later (56th minute) as Sara Stern found the senior co-captain in perfect position to score.
Mercer Island scored a fourth goal during the 77th minute as Ellen Haas connected with Mary Hill.
But maybe a more important score was the lack of points on the Saint’s side of the scoreboard.
“It is big,” said Gumprecht. “We have young team and its good for the moral of the team. Kat, those are some big cleats to fill so this is really good for our defense.”
Ledbetter is expected to return in two to three weeks.
“I never really had time to train for this,” said Gumprecht. “But I will do my best.”
The Islanders took on Issaquah (after Reporter deadline) Tuesday night and will host Newport on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
The final schedule for the team has been announced and the other changes are as follows:
5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 25 at Skyline
7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 27 at Bellevue
7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11 at Newport
7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 23 at Islander Stadium against Bellevue
