The Tenino boys soccer team rallied late to tie the game and force extra time against Hoquiam on Tuesday, but the Beavers ultimately fell 4-3 in penalty kicks on the black turf.
The Grizzlies opened the scoring instantly, taking the lead in the first minute of the game before doubling its advantage with a goal in the 31st minute.
“Defending on set pieces came back to bite us again,” Tenino coach Trevor Fetbrandt said. “We weren’t effectively marking and communicating, and it led to multiple free runners in the box.”
Miguel Espinoza scored off an assist from Carlos Sanchiz early in the second half to get the Beavers within one, but the Grizzlies re-extended their lead with a goal in the 55th minute.
Espinoza wasn’t done, though, as the junior forward added goals in the 61st and 78th minute to tie the game at three.
“I challenged them in the second half,” Fetbrandt said. “It takes a lot of heart and conviction to battle back and give yourselves a chance. It all started and stopped with Miguel. It was like his hair was on fire. He was the full package tonight.”
After a scoreless extra-time period, Espinoza, Sanchiz, and Noah Suess buried their PKs, but Hoquiam scored four of its five attempts from the spot to snag the win.
“It stings,” Fetbrandt said. “But this is such a young group, so it’ll be a great learning experience for them.”
Tenino won’t have to wait long for the chance to bounce back, as the Beavers (2-6, 2-5 1A Evergreen) will head to Rochester for a rivalry matchup on Thursday.
