The Renton High girls soccer team is battered, tired and limping as the season winds down, yet playoffs hopes are keeping the team’s spirits high.

“We have some key games to end the season and if we do well, we’ll be in the playoffs,” said Renton co-coach Duane Nakamura. “That’s kind of a carrot out in front of them.”

The Indians (2-6-1 overall, 2-6-1 Seamount) must finish ahead of either Tyee or Evergreen to advance to the sub-district playoffs.

Renton beat Tyee 5-0 Oct. 14 and played Evergreen Thursday night. The Indians’ win against Tyee puts Renton in strong position to make the playoffs.

Nakamura said he couldn’t remember the last time Renton made the playoffs.

Depth has been a concern for Renton all season long. The most players the Indians have had for a game is 12, leaving the team with one substitute.

“This team has played with a lot of guts and heart,” said Renton co-coach Andrea Anderson. “There’s no rest for the weary.”

Making matters worse, captains Rose Lindsey and Kristen Haag were both hurt during the middle of the season. Haag, a senior, is the only Renton returner who made an all-league team last year. She made the second team and is the strongest link in Renton’s defense.

In addition to Lindsey and Haag, sophomore Justice Perry leads the team in goals. Perry has played at midfield, forward and in goal this season.

“She’s extremely strong, probably the best new player that we’ve had in a long time,” Anderson said.

Other important players are freshman Daisy Maciel and senior Irene Muller. The Indians have four seniors, four juniors, seven sophomores and two freshmen.

Nakamura said the team turned a corner during a 4-1 loss to Foster Sept. 30. Renton won a forfeit game against Tyee Sept. 21, lost to Kennedy Sept. 23, then tied Evergreen 2-2 Sept. 28. After that run, the Indians fell behind 4-0 in the first half against Foster.

Nakamura said it was disappointing to tie against Evergreen, a team he expected to beat. But after falling behind Foster early, the team turned a corner.

“The second half was really promising,” he said. “The girls finally started to click and we hope to carry that momentum as we enter the second round against these teams that we can compete with.”

Renton played Evergreen Thursday night and faces Foster Oct. 26 to finish the regular season.