Youth soccer: Storm King takes second at PacNW Winter Classic

By Sequim Gazette Staff • January 30, 2019 1:30 am

In front of a slew of college coaches and scouts, the Storm King B01 soccer squad went unbeaten in four games at the 2019 PacNW Winter Classic before falling 1-0 in the finals to ISG Gunners on Jan. 21.

The team of local prep age stars, Storm King went 2-0-1 in pool play in the classic’s 2001 Boys Showcase Premier Division.

Storm King opened the tourney on Jan. 19 with a 1-1 tie against an all-star team from Alaska, with Ryan Tolberd of Sequim scoring on an assist from Stu Methner of Port Angeles.

Later that day, Storm King routed the Belleuve Titans, with Tolberd scoring twice — both on assists from Sequim High teammate Mike McAleer — and a third all-Sequim goal from Eli Gish, off an Adrian Funston assist.

On Jan. 20, Storm King edged PacNW-Maroon, the fifth-ranked team in the state, by a 2-1 score. Gish scored on an assist from Funston, but it was a Tolberd score in the final minute off an assist from Methner that sealed the win and a Group A title.

In the semi-finals on Jan. 21, Andrew St. George scored from a free kick outside the box and Tolberd scored off a rebounded shot by Funston to give Storm King a 2-1 win over FPSC Fury.

In the final later that day at the Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila, ISG Gunners scored in the final 10 minutes free kick which deflected off off a Storm King defensive wall.

“Our defense must be commended for their superb play,” said Michael McAleer, who coached Storm King wtih Aaron St. George.

“Andrew St. George and Hugo Sandoval put tremendous pressure on the opponents midfield. Center backs Chris Morgan and Hollund Bailey and goalie Navy Thomas-Brenske were superb in defense all tournament long,” McAleer said.