Soccer: Lindbergh and Interlake draw 1-1

So far in Ryan Griffith’s first season as the Lindbergh High School girls soccer head coach, he has the Eagles in prime position to make the postseason.

After losing the first four games of the season, by a total score of 19-1, the Eagles have lost just one game since Sept. 19 (Highline, 1-0, Oct. 8).

The Eagles ended with their fourth draw of the season Oct. 15 against Interlake, 1-1, after 90 minutes of gametime.

“It is one they want to play in. They enjoy playing in games that are intense and close. They like the high-intensity moments,” Griffith said.

Back on Sept. 26, the two sides paired up, and the Eagles drew 1-1 in their first matchup against the Saints. Despite trailing the Eagles for the majority of the game, the Saints kept battling. That is what makes them so tough, according to Griffith.

“It is two great teams coming together. There are great players and coaching on both sides. It is just a clash. The players get really into it and it was a really intense game,” Griffith said.

The Eagles struck in the first 10 minutes to take a quick 1-0 lead from the right foot of Eboni Rose. She linked up with Oniee Gradin-Core with a give-and-go, and Rose used her speed to beat the Interlake defenders, and her shot got past the keeper for an early lead.

“It is an electric duo. They are both fast and intelligent players … It is also more than just them. It is the people feeding them the balls from behind as well. It is just another thing for the other team to worry about, which leads to opportunities for other players,” said Griffith.

From that moment on, the Eagles and Saints both had good opportunities. But at halftime, the Eagles’ 1-0 lead was still intact.

The one goal lead lasted all the way into almost the 70th minute when the Saints eventually equalized. The equalizer came on a penalty kick after senior Emily Staley went for a slide tackle that was deemed a foul inside the box.

“Those are always tough. That call could go either way. I think she did a great job responding,” Griffith said about his senior leader.

Staley is the voice of the Eagles on the backline. A senior that has gone through a lot in her four years from back-to-back ten-win seasons and two coaches and now is a leader for the Eagles.

She was emotional after the game, but Griffith has a ton of trust and confidence in his senior leader.

“You got to be in the moment and mentally present in the moment. If you dwell on it mistakes keep happening. I think she did a great job putting that aside and played a phenomenal game either way,” he said.

With four draws this year there is a bit of frustration, but there is some light at the end of the tunnel.

“There have been a few more ties than I’m sure we want,” Griffith said laughing.

But the key for Lindbergh is taking a little longer to get a better touch on the ball, and preparing the shot before letting loose on net.

“It is just that sharpness when we get in front of goal. Taking a breath, finding the net, an extra touch or pass. Then when we are in those chances just calmly putting the ball away,” Griffith said.

Lindbergh soccer is back in action against Renton at home on Oct. 17 a game that saw the Eagles defeat their rivals 7-1 back on Oct. 1.