North Sound SeaWolves Snap Three-Game Losing Streak

The North Sound SeaWolves overcame a two-goal deficit to defeat the Victoria Highlanders 3-2 in a Premier Development League match Friday at Edmonds Stadium.

The win snapped a three-match losing streak for the Edmonds-based soccer team, which improved to 4-6 with six games left. Victoria fell to 2-6-3.

"We're very happy to get the win," SeaWolves coach Alex Silva said. "We still believe we have a chance for the playoffs. If we can play like we did in the second half, we should be good."

The SeaWolves got the game-winner in the 65th minute on a scramble inside the goal box that midfielder Marshall Kosaka tapped in for his first goal of the season. The defense, a season-long problem area for North Sound, held strong behind the play of Kevin Cook, the only SeaWolves defender to start every game this season.

Elmer Rodriguez, making his first appearance of the season, made two tough second-half saves to earn the win in goal. The SeaWolves played the final few minutes of the match with 10 players after Kosaka picked up his second yellow card of the game. It was the third time this season North Sound finished a man down because of a red card.

Kosaka will miss Monday's game against Portland. The Highlanders, who finished second in the PDL Northwest Division a year ago, took the lead in the 20th minute when Gareth Langdon headed home a Jordan Hughes cross. It was 2-0 in the 33rd minute when the SeaWolves appeared to scored into their own net, though the goal was credited to Ashley Burbeary.

The North Sound rally started in the 40th minute when Victoria defender Kalem Scott fell on the ball in the goal box and was whistled for a hand ball, leading to a penalty kick goal by Abdul Aman, the North Sound forward's team-leading fifth of the season.

The SeaWolves tied it at 2 in the 54th minute when David Hill dropped a pass off to Marysville native Brady Ballew and Ballew fired in a shot from about 15 yards out for his third goal of the season.

"The second half was the best we've played all season," Silva said. "We started out the same way, making mistakes, and we still have work to do on our defense. But the second half we moved the ball well and our defense played stronger."

The SeaWolves have two home matches remaining, including Monday's 7:30 p.m. match with the Portland Timbers U-23 team. North Sound also plays the Seattle Sounders U-23s on Friday, June 29 at home.

"We have some big games coming up that should be fun to watch," Silva said. "Those are two very good teams, obviously MLS-affiliated teams. It's going to be a good challenge for us."