The Mountain View girls soccer team learned that missed opportunities in the postseason can be decisive.
Missing out on several scoring chances, the Thunder fell to Bishop Blanchet of Seattle 1-0 on Tuesday in a Class 3A state round-of-20 game at McKenzie Stadium.
“When you get to playoffs, every game is tight,” Mountain View coach Dustin Johnson said. “And it really just comes down if you can put away the chances you have. I thought we actually had more chances than they did. But they were able to capitalize. And that’s kind of what playoffs are like.”
The Thunder had their chances, particularly in the first half. Lauryn Krith and Mya Nguyen had some open shots that went off the mark.
Blanchet came out on the attack after a scoreless first half. Anna Cote punched in a goal from 25 yards out in the first minute of the second half.
Playing from behind was a particular challenge for the Thunder given Blanchet’s tall and talented back line.
“They’re a quality team for sure,” Johnson said. “Very good defensively, very organized. It just wasn’t out day today.
Blanchet continued to keep the pressure on Mountain View after that first goal, but several key saves by Ani Qualls kept the Thunder in it.
Mountain View mounted some late challenges, but were turned away, including a corner-kick opportunity in the 79th minute.
While Blanchet advances to the round-of-16 and matchup with top-seeded Bellevue on Friday, Mountain View saw its season end at 9-8 after a tough schedule against talented opponents.
“Obviously winning league was one of our goals we accomplished,” Johnson said. “We lined up a very tough offseason, preseason, playing against Bellevue, ranked No. 1 in the state, going against Peninsula, ranked No. 5. These guys, Rogers (of Puyallup), Stadium. And we were able to compete with all of them. So I’m very proud of what the girls were able to accomplish this year.”
BISHOP BLANCHET 1, MOUNTAIN VIEW 0
Bishop Blanchet
Goal — Anna Cote.
Mountain View
Goalkeeper saves — Ani Qualls 9.
Halftime — 0-0
