The Highline men’s soccer team beat the Raiders with a 4-1 victory last Wednesday.

After beating 0-9-0 Pierce, the Thunderbirds are 5-4-1 in conference and maintained their first place spot in the NWAC West.

On Wednesday, two Thunderbirds accounted for the four goals made by Highline. 

In the first period, Highline’s Zane May scored two goals assisted by Jose Pineda-Anguiano. Freshman Ryo Takeuchi added another goal unassisted. 

In the second period, Takeuchi sealed the deal with another goal in the 66th minute assisted again by Pineda-Anguiano.

Sophomore Jose Pineda-Anguiano demonstrated his ability to get his teammates in scoring position with three assists. He currently holds two goals and five assists for this season. 

“It wasn’t a very tough game for me. Pierce is at the bottom of the league for now and it was easy for us,” said Center Attacking Mid Ryo Takeuchi.

Ryo is a freshman international student from Japan. He currently has six goals and two assists on the season. 

When asked to describe his first goals, it was an easy penalty kick, said Takeuchi.

“My second goal came from Pepe (Jose Pineda-Anguiano), he is a good player and a lefty. So when he has the ball on his left foot I always try to make a run. I checked the position of the keeper and the goal and just shot it. I kicked it with my left foot,” said Takeuchi.

The win over Pierce has renewed some confidence after losing to Whatcom last weekend, said goal keeper Jerome Schroeder.

“It was definitely a good result and we deserved all the points in that game. I think for us the focus is the next game. Get the three points, move on, and just try and keep our momentum going,” said Schroeder.

Coming off of a bye week, Highline is set to face off 4-5-0 Tacoma this Friday.

Last year, Tacoma clinched the West division title and Highline took second.

Tacoma is the team to beat, said Takeuchi.

“The opponent has courage. That game is gonna be the most important for us to be at the top of the league and the champion,” said Takeuchi.

“I think we should be able to beat them. Honestly, I’m not scared of Tacoma whatsoever. We beat them on their…surface,” said Jerome Schroeder.

“Honestly, I believe our strength is just starting strong right off the bat. As long as we start early and strong, we can get any result,” said Schroeder.

Last year, the Thunderbirds won the NWAC men’s soccer championship and repeating this year is Highline’s goal, said Schroeder.

“To win our division then go on… we want that home field advantage and bye round. Nothing less than that,” said Schroeder.

On Friday, Oct. 14, Highline men’s soccer will play Tacoma at the Washington Premier Football Club Field Complex. The match starts at 3 p.m.