The pressure of elimination brought out the best in the Coupeville boys soccer team as it blanked Nooksack Valley 2-0 Saturday, May 8, in the sub-district consolation match at Mount Vernon High School.

The win lifts the Wolves into the bi-district starting Wednesday, May 12. The Wolves will play at Orting (9-3-3) at 5 p.m. If Coupeville wins, it will play the winner of Vashon-Meridian Saturday at 1 p.m. at Orting for the No. 3 and No. 4 seeding spots from bi-district to the state tournament.

Mendes called the win over Nooksack Valley “very satisfying” but “worrisome.” He said the Wolves dominated the match but led just 1-0 at the half thanks to a penalty kick goal by Garrett Knoll in the 29th minute after he was fouled in the goal mouth.

Mendes said, “The frustrating part is that we had a chance to go ahead but had several near misses. The game stayed close.”

He added, “The score didn’t reflect the play.”

Spencer Tack helped Mendes relax a bit when the senior co-captain nailed a penalty kick in the 53rd minute.

Tack’s fellow captain, goal keeper Evan Ameluxen-Coleman, helped the Coupeville defense record the shut out with a “solid game,” according to Mendes.

Mendes was happy to see his team make adjustments because injuries have robbed the Wolves of two starters, Grayson Knott (knee) and Jack Caselden (shoulder).

He specifically pointed out the play of freshman Luke Pelant, who played his first varsity minutes in the pressure-packed game Saturday.