Oak Harbor High School soccer coach Brian Thompson emphasized the positive after his team was eliminated from the district tournament with a 4-1 loss at Stanwood Thursday, May 9.

Thompson said, “It was a great year, we peaked at the right time.”

That peak led to a 2-1 win over Shorecrest in the opening round of district and a tough 1-0 loss to fifth-ranked and South Division champion Shorewood.

Thompson added, “I am really happy with what the kids did this year. It was a great run.”

Stanwood ended the run with a dominating win Thursday.

The Spartans controlled play throughout and forced Oak Harbor keeper Kevin Silveira to make five save before the Wildcats attempted a shot.

Ironically, that first shot was the match’s first score and Oak Harbor took an improbable 1-0 lead. Alex Krantz’s perfectly placed header in the upper right corner of the net off a long pass from Garth Westcott gave Oak Harbor the lead 11 minutes into the match.

The Spartan onslaught continued as they peppered away at goal, eventually scoring in the 32th minute.

It took Stanwood just 30 seconds into the second half to take the lead when it scored on a free kick from the top of the goalie box.

The Spartans struck again in 57th and 73rd minutes.

Oak Harbor, meanwhile, managed only three quality shots against the stingy Stanwood defense.

Stanwood is coached by Oak Harbor graduate Kyle Veach, who played on the Wildcats’ last playoff team in 2002. If Stanwood defeats Shorecrest Saturday, it will earn the school’s first trip to the state soccer tournament.