Eastlake Boys Soccer: Wolves knock off Gig Harbor 2-1

Brandon McComb’s advantageous flick on goal in the 49th minute pushed the (11-3-2) boys soccer team to what would end up being the game-winning goal as the Wolves beat Gig Harbor (14-3-1) 2-1.

The team played in the first round of the 2011 State 4A Boys Soccer Tournament on Tuesday night at Eastlake High School.

In the first half, the Wolves generated some chances against the Gig Harbor side but neither team could take advantage and break through. The teams went into halftime with a scoreless tie, as both keepers - Zack Wile for Eastlake, and Korey Durkee for Gig Harbor - were in top form.

"It was a tale of two halves," Eastlake High School Head Coach Adam Gervis said. "I thought we were a little nervous early and didn’t get into rhythm."

But the Wolves took advantage of the halftime break to adjust to the flow of the contest. "We made a tactical adjustment that opened up more space for us," Gervis said.

Eastlake broke the scoring deadlock in the 45th minute, when Chris Discolo executed a precisely placed throw in and senior defender Gerard Galvin headed the ball past the Tides goalkeeper Durkee to put Eastlake on top 1-0.

"(Galvin) beat his man, and that header was a nice goal," Gervis said.

Just four minutes later, Wolves fan favorite Brandon McComb took advantage of his playoff playing time by ducking down out of the way of a Madison Heck shot. He managed to get his foot in the right spot to redirect the ball past Durkee to extend Eastlake out to 2-0.

"It was my first varsity goal," McComb said. "I didn't think I was going to play much but with the yellow card, I came in to the game."

Gervis lauded his reserve’s efforts in getting such a key goal during a pivotal point in the match.

"We had been looking at Brandon as a spark off the bench," Gervis said.

 Gig Harbor Head Coach Todd Northstrom said, "Give them credit. They beat us straight up."

But the veteran Gig Harbor squad would not go away easily. In the 71st minute, the Tides reaped the benefits of a formation change implemented by Northstrom in the second half. He adjusted to a 3-4-3 formation, pulling a defender into the midfield.

The senior captain Ubben won a hard fought battle for the ball with the Eastlake goalie and put the ball in the back of the net cutting the lead to 2-1.

With earning the right to advance, Gervis discussed the potential next round opponent, either Garfield or Bellarmine Prep, coming up in the quarterfinal round on Saturday night.

He also talked about his team's overall toughness throughout the entire match.

"Garfield is who I would expect to see," Gervis said. "Also, our guys tonight fought their tails off."

Eastlake will likely host Garfield on Saturday in the quarterfinals of the State Tournament. Gig Harbor concludes it season at 14-3-1.