by Michael Carman

FORKS — Every North Olympic Peninsula boys soccer team qualified for the postseason with Forks becoming the last of the four teams by shutting out Evergreen League foe Elma 2-0 to advance to the Southwest District IV Tournament.

The game amounted to a loser-out game with a playoff berth on the line for both the Spartans (10-6, 10-7) and Eagles (9-7).

“Our guys came in with a great mindset, prepared and ready to battle with a strong Elma team and we did,” Forks coach Ismael Ramos said.

Ramos said the game also doubled as senior night for goalkeeper Juan Terrones, Mateo Lucas, Brody Owen and JaiAlexander Leavitt-Ward.

“They were very excited, the seniors were freshmen the last time we made the postseason, so they are excited about being back in it,” Ramos said.

Forks went up about halfway through the first half.

“The whole game was pretty back and forth,” Ramos said. “In the first half, we scored in the 19th minute when Margarito Gonzalez sent in a corner kick and Luis Ornelas was there to poke the ball in at the far post.”

The Spartans made an adjustment in the second half that lead to the team’s second score.

“We knew they would come out aggressive in the second half and they were playing in a formation with five back and two right and left wings moving up high, so we knew we could exploit the width of the field,” Ramos said.

Lucas assisted on the second goal.

“Mateo Lucas was able to chip the ball over the goalkeeper’s head to Eduardo Colmo for a goal,” Ramos said.

“Our defense was great all night and Juan Terrones had some amazing saves to keep them at zero. Brody Owen also played really smart yesterday, at center back.”

Later in the day Forks lost to Columbia High school 6 to 0 and will play again in a loser out game on Tuesday May 13 with the time and place to be decided.

Mateo Lucas (13) kicks towards the goal against the Eagles.

Right: Nery Jeronimo (21) competes for ball control. Following is teammate Dani Ornelas (17).