Tukwila, WA- Wenatchee Valley College men's soccer, the third-seed from the East region, took to the road in search of their first postseason victory in over a decade. Awaiting them was the second seed from the West, Highline College.
After a back-and-forth first half with nothing of note on the scoreboard, the Knights jumped out to a 1-0 lead early in the second half on a rocket shot from the top of the box by Luis Navarrete. That score held until late in the second frame when an aggressive confrontation from goalkeeper Alexis Calderilla drew a questionable call from the official and a penalty kick, which Highline converted, bringing the Thunderbirds level at 1-1.
The Knights held on and created a few dangerous chances as the game barreled through overtime. As both teams prepared mentally for the impending shootout that seemed inevitable, the Knights, specifically Alex Medina, had other plans.
In the 106th minute, the Knights forced a corner kick and after two or three knockarounds in the box, Medina pounced on the loose ball and slid it home for the golden goal and the Knight victory.
The Knights will continue their run toward the NWAC title Saturday at top-seeded Peninsula College at 2pm in Port Angeles.