Arlington stopped the Oak Harbor girls’ soccer team 3-0 Tuesday at Wildcat Memorial Stadium.

Although the Wildcats lost their third straight match, coach Jeff Laiblin said, “We played great tonight. I am very proud of the way we played – another step forward.”

Laiblin said the Wildcats received strong play from Maggie Gorman in goal and that his team eliminated some of the defensive mistakes that had plagued them in earlier matches.

“Unfortunately,” Laiblin said, “(we) were unlucky.” Arlington’s first goal was deflected in by an Oak Harbor player.

The lack of luck also carried over to the offense. Laiblin said the game was inches from being 3-3. One ‘Cat shot hit the post, a penalty kick was missed, and another shot was cleared at the last second by an Arlington defender.

The Wildcat coach said the “positive experiences” of the Arlington match will give them some momentum heading into a tough stretch in the schedule. OHHS goes to Stanwood Thursday, hosts Everett next Tuesday, then travels to Marysville-Pilchuck next Thursday.