The Puyallup Vikings boys soccer team took its hometown on a memorable ride during the 2008 season.
When it was all over, the Vikings earned second place overall in the Class 4A state soccer tournament. Even though the Vikings finished as the second best team in the state, the loss in the state finals against the Bellarmine Lions on May 24 was a tough pill to swallow for every member of the Vikings varsity roster. The majority of the team was in tears as fans filed out of Harry Lang Stadium in Lakewood after Bellarmine’s 2-1 victory via a shootout in the state championship game.
It was an emotional moment for players who poured in everything they had on the soccer field since practices began in late February. Losing a state championship is no doubt the lowest of lows while winning the state championship is the highest of highs.
The loss undoubtedly hurts right now, but when players have the opportunity to step away and reflect upon the milestones they achieved during this past spring they will be proud of what they accomplished. The Vikings registered 17 victories, won the regular season SPSL South crown and came within one or two plays away from acquiring a championship trophy.
Not too many teams can boast those kinds of accomplishments.
A slew of individuals contributed mightily to the success of the Vikings this season.
This year, Justin Veltung established himself as one of the best forwards in not only the SPSL, but the entire state. Veltung was the fastest player on the field in every game he played in this season. He scored all four of Puyallup’s goals in the state playoffs.
Senior team captain and undisputed vocal team leader Kyle Gaedke was the heart and soul of the Vikings. After suffering what originally was thought to be a season-ending injury against Emerald Ridge on April 25, Gaedke showed his toughness and guile returning to the starting lineup for the postseason. This fall, Gaedke will continue his soccer career at Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, Idaho.
Puyallup goalie Kyle Bilharz recorded a league-high 13 shutouts. Bilharz quietly kept the Vikings in games all season long with diving stops between the posts in crucial situations. Bilharz, “The Brick Wall”, blocked crucial shots in their first round state playoff game against Marysville-Pilchuck, keeping the Vikings alive in an eventual 2-1 victory.
In addition, the Vikings flexed their muscle against their fiercest rivals. Puyallup dominated their neighboring schools recording two shutout victories against Rogers and nabbing a victory and a tie against Emerald Ridge.
I wanted to take some time to congratulate the Puyallup Vikings soccer squad for a job well done. It’s the most fun I’ve had covering one team since I began my career as a sports writer in 2005.
Hopefully next year the Vikings can put together another unforgettable season.
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