Brie Hooks set up both of Taylor Clarin’s goals, propelling the No. 7 nationally ranked Tahoma Bears to a 2-1 victory over the Curtis Vikings in the 4A state girls soccer quarterfinals on Saturday in Maple Valley.
With the win, Tahoma (20-0-0) advances to the state semifinals next weekend at Sparks Stadium in Puyallup. This will be the third straight trip to the semifinals for the Bears, who are still looking for their first state title.
“It’s not weighing (heavily) as much as it’s we expect to be there again because we have unfinished business,” Tahoma coach Jason Johnson said. “That’s what drives the girls. Not the fear of not getting there, but the excitement of getting there (and) finishing what we started three years ago.”
Tied 1-1 at halftime, the winning goal came in the 59th minute, when Clarin, a sophomore midfielder, scored on a precision corner taken by Hooks.
The corner kick, which landed inside the 6-yard box just in front of goal, was batted around briefly before finally being pushed into the open, unoccupied goal.
Despite the game being as close as any this year for Tahoma, Johnson had no fears of an upset.
“I feel as the game goes we usually catch our breath and get in rhythm,” Johnson said.
Hooks and Clarin found each other in the 7th minute, securing an early 1-0 lead.
Coming off a well-placed cross from just outside the 18-yard box on the left flank, Hook’s free kick went to the far post, where two open Tahoma players were standing in wait, making for an easy heading finish for Clarin.
Curtis (13-3-4) fought back to tie it when freshman forward Morgan Weaver chipped the keeper in the 15th minute from 13 yards.
JOIN THE DISCUSSION | Register here
We welcome comments. Please keep them civil, short and to the point. ALL CAPS, spam, obscene, profane, abusive and off topic comments will be deleted. Repeat offenders will be blocked. Thanks for taking part — and abiding by these simple rules. A thorough explanation of rules of conduct can be found in our Terms of Service. If you have any questions, including why your comment may not be showing immediately after you submit it, be sure to visit the commenting FAQ.