Gig Harbor rides Maharry goal, shutout defense to 3A district title win over Silas
The ball came to Lucas Maharry’s feet in the Silas box with several defenders standing between him and the goal. The Gig Harbor High School junior forward went to work, slicing through several defenders in a tight space before toe-poking the ball past the Silas goalkeeper for a goal in the 25th minute of the Class 3A District 3/4 boys soccer championship game at Sparks Stadium on Thursday night.
“Really just trying to work hard, get it through,” Maharry said of his nifty goal. “I knew I was in the 18-yard box so I just had to finish it.”
And finish it, he did. The moment of skill proved decisive, as Gig Harbor went on to win the game 1-0, hoist the district championship trophy and remain undefeated heading into the 3A state tournament.
Silas came into the contest averaging over three goals per game, but high-flying junior forward Joseph Nichols and the Rams were unable to crack the code against Gig Harbor’s organized back line.
“Our back line really worked together really well today,” said Gig Harbor senior center back Owen Ghent. “Communicating was really key along with our goalie and midfield as well. I thought we really just played well as a team.”
With the win, Gig Harbor moves to 19-0 on the season, a record with no ties. The Tides are heading into the 3A state tournament with plenty of momentum after cruising to the 3A South Sound Conference and district titles.
“All of (the momentum),” Maharry said. “We’re not losing a game.”
While the regular season and district tournament postseason success is nice, Gig Harbor’s players have their sights set on winning it all.
“We’ve got all the momentum right now,” Ghent said. “Right now, it really feels great. But it really doesn’t matter if we fall short in state. We really want to go all the way this year.”
This story was originally published May 11, 2023 at 7:53 PM.
