The Kentwood High boys soccer team had plenty of chances Tuesday night at French Field in a Class 4A state opener against second-ranked Jackson.
Despite missing on several point-blank shots, the Conquerors were able to do just enough to knock off Jackson 4-2 in a shootout and earn a berth to the state quarterfinals.
“We had a lot of opportunities and chances inside the box,” said coach Aaron Radford. “It’s a big win. Jackson is a very, very nice team. They have a lot of components. We just stepped up our intensity and had the run of play the majority of the game.”
With the win, Kentwood (15-1-3) will advance to the quarterfinals, where they will meet Beamer at Federal Way Stadium either Friday or Saturday at a yet to be determined time. Beamer beat Kentwood for the South Puget Sound League title last week, 1-0.
The game was tied 2-2 after regulation and overtime, leading to the shootout.
Kentwood senior Jared Fuller netted what proved to be the winning goal during the shootout. Fuller is the lone player on the Kentwood roster who also was part of the school’s last state team in 2008.
“He stepped up,” Radford said. “He’s been here four years and knows exactly what’s at stake.”
Kentwood’s Cody Crook gave the Conquerors a 1-0 lead in the third minute on an assist from Jared Fuller. Jackson quickly responded, knotting things 1-1 just four minutes into the game. Kentwood took a 2-1 lead in the 60th minute on a goal from Dan Dixon that was assisted by Matt Day. Jackson tied the game with two minutes in regulation.
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