SHORELINE — The King’s Knights avenged their state-tournament loss from a season ago by defeating University Prep 1-0 Friday in a Class 1A state girls soccer semifinal at Shoreline Stadium.
Last year, the Pumas beat the Knights 3-2 in the 1A championship game to earn their second straight state title.
“We started the beginning of the season obviously with a goal to make it to that championship game but playing it one game at a time,” King’s head coach Nicole Gabelein said. “And so this was just one more step toward that goal, and now we’re at that game.”
The Knights (20-1-1) play Klahowya in the championship game at 2 p.m. Saturday at Shoreline Stadium.
Senior forward Anisa Uberuaga scored the lone goal of the match in the 57th minute. After receiving a pass off a corner kick from junior defender Mikayla Bryant, Uberuaga sidestepped a defender and found the back of the net for her 21st goal of the season.
“It’s probably the best feeling ever because everyone is so happy and I’ve been working hard,” Uberuaga said of her goal.
The King’s defense recorded its 18th shutout of the season and third straight in the state tournament. University Prep managed just two shots, and King’s goalkeeper Madeline Nielsen didn’t have to make a save. The Knights have allowed just five goals this season.
“We’ve got a very solid goalkeeper (and) our defense is solid,” Gabelein said. “… They’re a really solid, solid group.”
King’s 1, University Prep 0
Goals—Anisa Uberuaga (K). Assists—Mikayla Bryant (K). Goalkeepers—Rebecca Hasle (UP), Madeline Nielsen (K). Records—University Prep 13-4-3. King’s 20-1-1.
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