The 2021 NWAC reigning champions, Highline, were knocked out of the championship tournament by Walla Walla in overtime, 2-1. 

The week prior, the Thunderbirds advanced to the semifinals with a triumphant victory over SW Oregon, 4-0. Highline then advanced to the semifinals against 15-3-3 Walla Walla.

Last Friday night at Starfire Field, the Warriors came out with a fire in their belly, determined to make the finals as their last appearance was in 2012. 

In just the seventh minute, Warrior Osvaldo Moreno scored the game’s opening goal, assisted by Ricardo Contreras. 

The Thunderbirds were not put down by the early goal and continued to press opponents. In just the first half the T-Birds

had14 shots to Walla Walla’s three.

In the 39th minute, Ryo Takeuchi tallied Highline’s first goal assisted by Jose Pineda-Anguiano, leveling the game 1-1.

The Thunderbirds did not let up the offensive pressure with a total of 26 shots to Walla Walla’s 10, and 11 to 3 corner kicks throughout the match.

The Warriors keeper, Ryan Solis, made 11 total saves against Highlines offensive prowess, and was able to get Walla Walla into overtime. 

With just under two minutes of overtime and the Warriors Antonio Rossi, assisted by Julio Tapia, scored the game winning goal. 

The match was intense, long, and not in the T-Birds favor with many of their shots hitting the post and incredible saves from Walla Walla’s goalie. 

On Sunday, Walla Walla advanced to the finals but lost 1-0 to Columbia Basin. 

Despite a heart-breaking stop to their championship run, Highline had a strong year nonetheless.

The Thunderbirds ended their season 11-6-2 and clinched the West Division title with a record of 9-4-2, the program’s third in the past five years.

Highline men’s soccer received multiple honors such as the West MVP, four all-star players, and were led by the NWAC West coach of the year, Steve Mohn.