After scoring only two goals in its first six matches, the Oak Harbor High School soccer team exploded for a 3-1 win over Everett Monday, April 6, at Wildcat Memorial Stadium.

The offensive output helped the Wildcats (1-1-1, 1-5-1) pick up their first victory of the season and keep the Seagulls (0-3, 0-5-2) winless.

Alex Waner got things going for Oak Harbor with a nice cross to Ramon Acosta, who headed in the first goal 11 minutes into the match.

Eight minutes later, J.J. Mitchell was fouled in the box and Dakota Powers netted the penalty kick to make it 2-0.

Everett dribbled a goal by Oak Harbor keeper Jared Hoyt in last minute of the half to cut the lead to one.

Oak Harbor controlled much of the second half, but Everett dominated a section midway through the period and almost tied the score. One shot bounced off the right post and another rocketed just above the cross bar.

The Wildcats took control from that point, and Waner drilled a goal from 15 yards out (assisted by Kyle Truex) with 13:30 left in the match to finish the scoring.

The Oak Harbor defense was solid, anchored by Hunt and Jeremy Vester, who took over in goal with 17 minutes remaining in the match, according to coach Brian Thompson.

“Eric Jensen did a really good job in the back,” he said. “J.J. Mitchell, who always plays well, did a good job, along with Dakota Powers, in the middle.”

Oak Harbor travels to Shoreline Stadium to face the state’s top-ranked 2A team, Shorecrest (3-0, 6-0-1), at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 8.

(Ramon Acosta, who scored a goal for Oak Harbor, runs down a ball for the Wildcats. Photo by John Fisken.)