Vashon Island scored in the first two minutes of the match and that was all the Pirates needed to knock the Coupeville High School soccer team out of the district tournament for the second consecutive year, winning 2-0 at Oak Harbor’s Wildcat Memorial Stadium Saturday, Oct. 31.

Coupeville, the second-place team from the Olympic League, finished the season with a 6-7-3 record, matching last season’s win total, the best in school history.

Vashon Island (8-8-1), third in the Nisqually League, added a second goal with 32 minutes left in the first half and then played possession soccer to control the match.

Coupeville’s only serious scoring threat came when senior Jennifer Spark’s 25-yard free kick whistled above the goal late in the first half.

With little offensive fireworks, the Coupeville highlight was a defensive play by freshman Lindsey Roberts, kicking away a shot when keeper Lauren Grove was pulled from the box.

“We really struggled with our first touch and with controlling the ball,” Coupeville coach Troy Cowan said. “Although the girls played their hearts out and gave 100 percent effort, they had a difficult time connecting on their passes and maintaining any kind of prolonged possession game.

“Vashon Island is a high-powered offensive team, and to hold a team like that to two goals is a major accomplishment.”

Cowan praised the efforts of a number of players.

Defenders Roberts and sophomore Lauren Bayne were “phenomenal” and “worked so hard and came so far this season.”

Jennifer Spark, one of only three seniors on the team, “will be impossible to replace.”

Sophomore McKenzie Meyer was “very consistent, reliable and dependable.”

First-year goalie junior Grove “spent a lot of time working on her game and today it showed — masterful performance.”

Sophomore Mia Littlejohn “played her heart out; no player on either team outworked Mia.”

In spite of the loss, Cowan likes the direction of his program: “These young ladies are learning how to play together and master their skills. Most importantly, they have represented Coupeville High School with distinction, integrity and honor. It’s been a real privilege to coach these young ladies and I am anxious for next season already.”