News
Eli Sports Network Picks 3A State Soccer All-Tournament Teams
Here are the ESN selections for All-Tournament teams 4A through 1A. We did not think it was fair to simply guess and look at stats to try and come up with a team. The teams we selected were derived from a combination of our crews, all of them unbiased and remember based only on the 2 games we watched.
These honors are not intended to degrade anyone’s performance but rather to celebrate performances that stuck out to us. We also tried to get pictures of everyone but some of our crews were short handed and we scrambled to get a few pictures, we apologize we did not get good ones of everyone. We named 1 MVP and 11 1st team starters and that is it, so with that all being said…here are our selections and congratulations to all!
Excerpts specific to Mercer Island featured below.
Credit: Staff of Eli Sports Network (November 22, 2017) State Soccer All-Tournament Teams: 4A-1A. Eli Sports Network. Photo credit: Staff of Eli Sports Network. View Article
MIHS Varsity Wins 2017 Washington State 3A Championship
Photo credit: Susie Stenberg
Mercer Island hands 4-1 loss to Stadium for Washington State 3A Title
Great article by Matt Massey, special for The Seattle Times. September 18, 2017
Excerpts:
Jessie Stenberg supplied a hat trick as Mercer Island dominated previously undefeated Stadium of Tacoma 4-1 to give the Islanders’ program a breakthrough moment in the Class 3A state-championship match on Saturday at Sparks Stadium.
For the Islanders (16-1-3), it was all about bringing effort from the start, allowing them to finish the season on top under first-year coach James Valles.
“You have those leaders on your team, like Kendall Riley and Jessie, who were an example to the whole team,” Valles said. “When you get to this point, it’s all about them playing. All my work is done. It’s just heart, grit, soul and just leaving it out on the field."
The Islanders went on top 1-0 in the 15th minute when Stenberg finished off a bouncing ball directly in front of the Stadium goal mouth. Stenberg tapped the ball in from inches away after the free kick from MI’s Kendall Riley glanced off teammate Jackie Gilroy and to the feet of Stenberg, who was in a crowd.
Stenberg made it 2-0 by converting a corner kick from Emily Arron in the 23rd minute, but Stadium (19-1) answered with an 18-yard strike by Ella Nadeau less than a minute later in the 24th minute.
The Islanders’ lead went to 3-1 when Emily Arron fired a 32-yard shot that skipped off the head of Stadium’s Kayla Fraser and into the left corner of the net in the 30th minute.
Stenberg made it 4-1 with a rebound shot at the right post in the 75th minute after Emily Arron’s shot bounced off Stadium goalkeeper Katherine Nelson.
Mercer Island Outplayed Stadium for State 3A Title
Excerpts of note from article by TJ Cotterill, The New Tribune (Tacoma) November 18, 2017
“They are definitely a more aggressive, fast team than we’ve played,” Becker [Stadium's head coach] said. “They had a better idea of what they were doing. And when they did it, they did it. The difference was they beat us to every ball… "
And Mercer Island coach James Valles seemed to have the right combination to finally slow [Makenzie] Burks, who finished her junior season with 27 goals [and was TNT All-Area player of the year].
“Keep her on her right foot,” Valles said. “Don’t let her go left. She’s always going to try to go by you and then go left. Don’t bite. Just stay in front of her. And my two defensive mids [Kendall Riley and Jackie Stenberg] controlled the midfield I thought all day".
The Islanders (16-1-3) seemed to attack from all angles, getting 16 shots to Stadium’s nine.
Valles said his team didn’t have any nerves facing undefeated Stadium because Mercer Island had been battle tested.
“I’m not going to lie, I looked at (Stadium’s) record and they’re winning some games 10-0 (They beat Lincoln 10-0, then 13-0, Mount Tahoma 11-0 and Spanaway Lake 9-0). Even if you’re super good that doesn’t do you any good,” Valles said. “It just inflates stats. Us having some games [with great teams like Liberty, Bellevue, Redmond], we were prepared.”
Kamiakin can't slow Mercer Island attack, falls 4-2 in State Semi Finals
Nice article with video clips by Dustin Brennan of the Tri-City Harold. September 17, 2017
Excerpts:
In scattered showers iconic of the tournament host’s region, the Kamiakin High School girls soccer team couldn’t stop a downpour of Mercer Island goals on Friday at Sparks Stadium in Puyallup. The result was a 4-2 defeat at the hands of the Islanders in their 3A state semifinal match in a game that featured a few firsts for the Braves; mainly, their first loss.
The Islanders (14-1-3) turned the first half into a stalemate when, in the 28th, Kendall Riley collected a rebound off a save by Wilbur and fired on an open net following a corner kick for a 1-all tie.
MI opened up its lead in the second half when Jackie Gilroy volleyed in an Emily Aaron cross in the 51st, and Elaina Martin scored with an assist from Gilroy in the 56th for a 3-1 game.
Mercer Island was able to put the game away with an insurance goal by Jessie Stenberg in the 76th for its final 4-2 lead.
Islanders Register Monumental Victory in State Playoff Game
Mercer Island senior midfielder Kendall Riley blocked out all the noise and was completely focused before completing one of the most memorable plays of her high school soccer career.
With less than three minutes left in regulation, the Mercer Island Islanders and Bethel Braves girls soccer teams were tied at 2-2 with a berth in the Class 3A quarterfinals hanging in the balance. Riley, who had a direct free kick from about 30 yards away from the goal on the left side of the field, studied Bethel keeper Isabelle Romero before unleashing a long range shot.
“I saw her go back post (right post) and I just knew that I couldn’t go back post. I tried to aim towards the middle,” Riley said.
Riley’s line drive shot sailed through the air before caroming off the inside of the left post and into the back of the net, giving the Islanders a 3-2 lead they wouldn’t relinquish the rest of the way. Mercer Island’s defense fended off Bethel in the final two minutes, preserving a 3-2 victory in the first round of the Class 3A state playoffs on Nov. 7 at Mercer Island High School.
Riley said it’s the first time the Islanders girls soccer program has advanced to the state quarterfinals since 2009.
“This is a big deal. We’re all really excited,” Riley said.
Mercer Island head coach James Valles wasn’t surprised to see Riley hit the game-winner.
“It was very clutch. She has been a pretty spectacular player all season. She has scored some timely goals just like that. She is always dangerous in those set pieces,” Valles said. “That was one for the ages. I think we’re all pretty darn happy with that one.”
Mercer Island junior forward Elaina Martin scored in the sixth minute of play, giving the Islanders a 1-0 lead. Bethel scored in the 18th minute tying the game at 1-1. Just before halftime Islanders senior midfielder Jessie Stenberg recorded a goal, giving the Islanders a 2-1 lead at halftime.
Permission and credit: Shaun Scott (November 7, 2017) Islanders register monumental victory in state playoff game. Mercer Islander Reporter. Photo credit: Don Born/Stop Action Photography.
Islanders Clinch Berth at 3A State Tournament - Mercer Island Reporter
The Mercer Island Islanders earned a 3-0 win against the Redmond Mustangs in the Class 3A KingCo championship game on October 31st at MIHS. The victory in the KingCo 3A title game clinched the Islanders a berth in the Class 3A state tournament. Mercer Islander midfielder Jessie Stenberg scored two goals in the win. Islanders' junior midfielder Jackie Gilroy scored the first goal of the game.
Follow the bracket schedule and results via KingCo's 2017 WIAA 3A State Girls Soccer Tournament.
Permission and credit: Mercer Island Reporter Staff (November 1, 2017) Islander girls soccer clinch berth at Class 3A state tournament. Mercer Islander Reporter. Photo credit: Don Born/Stop Action Photography. View full article.
Varsity Wins 2017 KingCo 3A Tournament
Mercer Island Varsity - 2017 KingCo 3A Champions
Grit and determination win the 2017 KingCo Tournament for MIHS! MIHS Varsity won 3-0 over Redmond.
Goal #1: Jessie Stenberg crosses the ball to Nicole Mandt who side heels to Jackie Gilroy for the goal.
Goal #2: Jessie Stenberg fights off the defender, gets dragged down and toes it [into the goal] while falling.
Goal #3: Jessie Stenberg going for a [team] hat trick with another lovely ball right past the keeper.
Source: MIHS Girls Soccer Twitter c/o Dan Riley. Photo Credit: Susie Stenberg.
Islanders Lead KingCo 3A/2A - Mercer Island Reporter
The Mercer Island Islanders girls soccer team captured a 2-0 win against the Interlake Saints on Oct. 17. The Islanders have an overall record of 10-1-1 and are in first place in the KingCo 3A/2A division. Liberty is in second place with a record of 9-2-1. Mercer Island player Kendall Riley (pictured) gains control of the ball in a game against the Sammamish Totems on Oct. 10.
Permission and Credit: Mercer Island Reporter Staff (October 18, 2017) Islanders are in first place in the KingCo 3A/2A division. Mercer Island Reporter. View Full Article. Photo Credit: Rick Edelman/Rick Edelman Photography.
Islanders Back on Track - Interviews with Nicole Mandt and Coach James Valles
The Mercer Island girls soccer team couldn’t wait to get back on the field after suffering their first loss of the 2017 season.
The Islanders, who lost 2-1 to the Redmond Mustangs on Sept. 28, got back into the win column just five days later, courtesy of a convincing 5-1 victory against the Lake Washington Kangaroos on Oct. 3 at Mercer Island High School. Mercer Island improved their overall record to 7-1 while Lake Washington dropped to 6-3 overall.
Mercer Island junior forward Nicole Mandt scored a team high two goals (45th minute, 60th minute) in the win. Mandt’s goal in the 45th minute was a spectacular run that consisted of making multiple Kangaroos players miss before uncorking a shot, which found the back of the net.
The Islanders leading scorer of the game was thrilled to see her team rebound after its setback last week against the Mustangs.
“It is really exciting because we had a tough loss to Redmond,” Mandt said. “We just came into this game thinking we’re No. 1 and we got to keep it. We had to try to come into the game with the same mindset we had in games against Liberty (3-0 win) and Bellevue (2-0 win), which were tougher games. We wanted to prove to other teams who didn’t think we would be as good this year that we still are.”
Mercer Island players Elaina Martin (26th minute), Jackie Gilroy (78th minute) and Kendall Riley (79th minute) each scored a goal apiece in the win.
Mercer Island first-year head coach James Valles wasn’t surprised his team dominated against Lake Washington.
“Emotionally, its a big lift for us,” Valles said. “I thought Redmond played us really well and they did the right things to beat us. We talked about adjusting our tactics. Sometimes you can say that, but it doesn’t always happen, but I thought tonight we really adjusted. We had balanced scoring and we almost had a clean sheet (shutout). We played as a team. Going into the second half of the season that is what we really need to do. We brought the energy and these girls work really hard, they listen and you can tell they are having a good time. They are clicking on all cylinders. I’m pretty happy.”
Permission and Credit: Shaun Scott (October 4, 2017) Mercer Islander soccer team gets back on track. Mercer Island Reporter. View full article. Photo Credit: Rick Edelman/Rick Edelman Photography.
Islanders remain undefeated, shutout Totems
Photo courtesy of Rick Edelman/Rick Edelman Photography. Mercer Island midfielder Jackie Stenberg, right, passes the ball to one of her teammates via a header against the Sammamish Totems on Sept. 14 in Bellevue.
A perfect record is still completely intact for the Mercer Island Islanders girls soccer team.
Mercer Island registered a 3-0 victory against the Sammamish Totems on Sept. 14 at Sammamish High School in Bellevue. Kendall Riley, Jackie Gilroy and Emily Yang each recorded a goal apiece in the convincing victory. Mercer Island (3-0 overall) has scored eight goals and hasn’t surrendered a goal thus far during the 2017 season. The Totems dropped to 1-1-2 with the loss. Islanders’ head coach James Valles, who is in his first season as the leader of the Islanders program, was thrilled to see his team’s ability to share the ball on display.
“I’m happy with the balanced scoring. We are an attacking them and we try to move the ball around. We could had played better but we’re pretty happy with the result,” Valles said.
Valles, who previously coached soccer at the club level the past few seasons, is thrilled to be back on the sidelines at the high school level. Valles said he last coached high school soccer at Lindbergh High School three years ago.
“I really like coaching high school soccer. This is a great team. I kind of got lucky. I’m pretty happy,” Valles said of landing the Islanders head coaching position.
Valles was impressed his team remained focused on the Sammamish game with their matchup against one of their biggest rivals looming on the schedule on Sept. 19.
“I think when you have success at the beginning of the season its important that we don’t look ahead to other games. We have Bellevue (Sept. 19) next week. We talked about making sure we were focused on Sammamish and we were,” he said.
Totems’ head coach Darryl Gonyea was proud of his team’s performance despite the loss. The Totems had several solid opportunities to score goals against the Islanders. Two of the Totems’ shots on goal caromed off the crossbar.
“We had a really good practice yesterday (Sept. 13). They had a lot of questions on defensive positioning. I was really proud of the way they absorbed the information. We did a really good job of marking (covering players) which led to us building some confidence, especially in the first half,” Gonyea said. “We’re turning a corner. Most of these girls have been with the team for awhile now. I told them to forget the scoreboard because I thought it was a positive step in the right direction tonight. We’ll get those bounces to go our way if we keep playing the way we are playing.”
Permission and credit: Shaun Scott (September 18, 2017) Islanders remain undefeated, shutout Totems. Mercer Islander Reporter. Photo credit: Rick Edelman/Rick Edelman Photography. View Article.
Team Tryouts and Expections from Coach Valles
Parents and players,
Tryouts are less than a week away.
- Monday, August 21st: 5:00-6:00pm player check-in - 6:00-8:00pm tryouts
- Tuesday, August 22nd - 5:30-6:00pm player check-in - 6:00-7:30pm tryouts
- Weds, August 23rd - 5:45pm player check-in - 6:00-7:30pm tryouts
- Thursday, August 24th: Teams will be confirmed and posted. See Team Rosters on navigation bar.
Next. Very important requirements. All players must have their completed paperwork submitted to the Athletic Office. I don’t claim to know what that entails, but I will know if they are missing pieces because they will not be able to tryout. This rule has no grey area. If you aren’t on the list you do not participate. My hands are tied on this one, so please don’t leave anything to chance or the last minute. I know there is a new online process, with the key word being new, that usually means doesn’t work properly or is confusing. I believe the athletic office is currently open if you have any questions, concerns, or need help.
All the paperwork is turned in and the player is now eligible to try out for MIHS soccer. All Players should have the proper attire to participate in all manner of weather and playing surfaces. If they have self-administered medications or inhalers make sure this is done prior to the tryout beginning. If they have a specific warm up routine required outside the norm please make sure they arrive with enough time to get ready. If they are not 100% for whatever the reason please make sure to let the evaluators know prior to the start of the tryouts. This will not be considered a negative but will aid in the evaluation process. Please make sure your player is hydrated and they have enough water to last the entire time they are on the field. I will try to have additional water at the tryouts but I like self-efficiency. For tryouts, shin guards will be required. I prefer the shin guards inside the socks and not littering the field as they move about.
What to expect. Tryouts will consist of three days. I plan to have as many evaluators as I feel appropriate. Among the attendees will be the MIHS coaching staff, club coaches, current adult players, and maybe even a referee. The more eyes the better. The plan is to make three teams. I know not every player is going to make the team they had hoped for, but my aim is to have the documentation that supports that decision. My goal is that no player slips through the cracks. I will use the week after tryouts to make sure that didn’t happen. I will be very active in monitoring the progress of both the JV and JVC team squads. They are the future of the program after all. I encourage every unhappy player to stick it out a week and let the dust settle before asking the why. If after that week has passed and there is still an issue I will be more than happy to discuss the situation with the player face to face. If the first reaction is to quit then I am afraid there is nothing to discuss.
Changes. In the past years tryouts have been a closed affair -- that will no longer be the case, with rules of course. Tryouts are open to all concerned adults. Below is a bullet point list of rules that will need to be followed.
· All observers must stay on the top rows of the stadium. Do not line fences or stand down on the field. No parents on the field. The players can warm up or kick the ball around with their peers.
· Please leave pets and small children at home. I prefer no familial or pet based distractions.
· No interaction with players during water breaks
· No shouting encouragement or the opposite of encouragement.
· No cowbells or car horns
· Keep the nervous pacing to a minimum.
· Please don’t be that one person that the rules don’t apply.
Tryouts are never easy. I have been through enough of these as a player, parent, and coach that I know of what I speak. This is a very stressful time for some players and families. I know that these players are just kids with feelings and I will take that into consideration as best I can. I can’t promise that at the end of the tryouts all the players will be happy with the coaching decisions, but I will do everything in my power to put their minds at ease and reduce the nerves during the tryout process. I will let them know how important every player is to the program and that the opportunity to play will always be there for the player who is willing to put in the work.
I purposely did not address the issue of cutting players at this time. I do not have a final count of players attending tryouts and perhaps with three teams the dreaded cutting players won’t be necessary. If cuts will be a necessary I will let all concerned know what that process entails.
Sincerely,
James Valles
MIHS Girls Soccer
Pre-Season Workout Schedule
Note from Coach Valles:
Below is the Pre-Season Workout Schedule. As you can see it is pretty comprehensive. There won’t be any solicited monitoring of the fitness program on my part or the parents. If players offer up information please listen and encourage, but don’t advise. Players are welcome to use this information as they see fit and tailor to their specific needs. Several of these activities may be used at the captains practices should they so chose.
I want to stress this training regimen is completely optional. Tryouts begin August 21st which allows plenty of time to improve wind, strength, and flexibility. Player accountability will help guide our team expectations and in a sense this is a test of commitment. Fitness is not most players favorite thing about soccer, but it is a pretty important part of the game. Let the fun begin!
Announcing New Head Coach for MIHS Girls Soccer
We are excited to announce that James Valles has accepted the position of Head Coach of the MIHS Girls Soccer program and Varsity team.
Coach Valles has been coaching soccer in the greater Seattle area since 2000. James' club coaching resume includes teams at Evergreen, Northwest Nationals and Seattle United.
James has coached high school soccer at Lakeside, Jackson High School in Everett and Lindbergh High School in Renton.
Coach Valles was voted Coach of the Year in the Seamount League in 2012 and led the Lindbergh High School Girls soccer team in back to back Seamount AA/AAA league titles. James holds an NSCAA National Diploma as well as a USSF D National coaching license.
Coach Valles coaching philosophy can best be summed up:
"The soccer experience must be worth the dedication, effort and time that all players devote to the game".
One of Coach Valles initial priorities will be to recruit and identify coaching staff for the JV and JVC teams.
Welcome Coach Valles!
2016 End of Season and KingCo Awards
It goes without saying that success in soccer is based on a complete team effort. All Mercer Island High School Girls Soccer players worked incredibly hard and were extremely dedicated to their team. We are very proud!
2016 KingCo Soccer Results
- Varsity: 8-4-2 and 2nd place 3A KingCo Tournament
- JV: 6-3-2
- JVC: 8-5-1
End of 2016 Season Awards: Congratulations to the players who were recognized for outstanding achievement.
Varsity:
Most Inspirational: Nalani Ogawa, Mallica Cary, Kate Miller
Most Improved: Jessie Stenberg
MVP: Gracie Wall
Islanders Award: Nalani Ogawa
JV:
Most Inspirational: Amy Braman
Most Improved: Robin Henry
MVP: Katelyn Orndorff
Islanders Award: Hannah Bluhm
JVC:
Most Inspirational: Maya Virdell
Most Improved: Makenna Rojas
MVP: Natalie Smith
Islanders Award: Annelise Rorem
KingCo Coaches Awards
Congratulations to our MIHS Varsity Team members who were recognized by KingCo Coaches as outstanding players.
Varsity Enters 3A WIAA State Tournament
Nov. 5, 2016- MIHS Varsity win 2-0 over Mt. Spokane and advances to the WIAA State Tournament.
For the first time since 2012, the MIHS Varsity team is going to the 3A state tournament!
Getting second-half goals from Kendall Riley and Nalani Ogawa, the Islanders defeated the Mt. Spokane Wildcats 2-0 in their winner-to-state matchup Saturday at Islander Stadium. Read the complete article in Mercer Island Reporter.
Next game is against Arlington on Tuesday, 11/8/16 at 7:00pm. Location: Arlington High School.
Information about WIAA State Championship:
MIHS Varsity Advances in KingCo/District Tournament
Nov. 3, 2016 - MIHS Varsity wins 2-1 over Holy Names.
The Mercer Island girls soccer team narrowly defeated Holy Names Academy 2-1. Jordan Snyder put the Islanders on the board in the 26th minute, scoring off an assist from Emily Arron. With the win, the Islanders (11-6-2) find themselves one win away from securing a 3A state tournament berth. Read the complete article by the Mercer Island Reporter.
Nov. 1, 2016 - MIHS Varsity wins 2-1 over Lake Washington and advances to the Metro Crossover.
Lake Washington (11-6-1) led 1-0 after a goal in the 17th minute. The Islanders (10-6-2) responded in the 38th minute, when Kendall Riley found the back of the net off an assist from Jordan Snyder. A minute later, Jessie Stenberg put the Islanders ahead, scoring off an assist from Camryn Steiner. Read the complete article by the Mercer Island Reporter.
Oct. 29, 2016 - MIHS Varsity wins 2-1 over Redmond High School
The Mercer Island girls soccer team beat the Redmond Mustangs in penalty kicks to win its KingCo 3A tournament loser-out matchup 2-1. Camryn Steiner gave the Islanders (9-6-2) a 1-0 halftime lead with a goal off an assist from Nicole Mandt in the 39th minute. Read the complete article by the Mercer Island Reporter.
2016 Booster Club Membership and Contributions
Greetings Mercer Island Girls Soccer (MIGS) Parents!
Welcome to the fall season of the MIHS Girls Soccer Teams! Thank you to the families who attended the parent meeting on Monday evening. It was good to get together in person for the first time this season and meet the parents of our daughters' teammates. We can't wait to "kick-off" the season!
A big thanks to those families who donated much needed funds to our team's Booster Club. We started off the season, this summer, low on dollars and are hoping to receive completed Booster Club membership forms and additional donations from those who were not present or were not able to turn in their forms on Monday night.
Every family should submit a completed 2016 MI Girls Soccer Booster Club Membership Form regardless of whether or not you are able to donate to the program. Returning the form with up-to-date email addresses will ensure you do not miss hearing any further important communications. You may mail your completed form to our PO Box listed on the form, mail it to our treasurer Glynda Steiner at 4841 88th Pl SE, MI, or give it to one of the board members listed at the bottom of the email. And because we have been working hard to obtain 501C3 status, your donation is tax deductible and eligible for employer matching donation (if applicable).
Be assured this money is needed: it covers apparel, equipment, event fees, team events and awards and other program costs that all athletes benefit from but that are not covered by ASB funds. Those ASB dollars are actually quite limited and leave a lot to the teams' boosters to backfill.
Fundraising Goals: In addition to supporting the expenses that are already in the budget (cited above) we hope to raise enough to purchase rain tents for those stormy nights when our girls are huddled on the bench in pouring rain. Our more ambitious - but attainable goal with your help - is to work with the boys soccer team to purchase rolling plexiglass/aluminum shelters that will provide much better protection for our girls against wind and rain.
Many of you signed up for volunteer positions or volunteered to host or help with weekly team dinners. By sometime next week, please volunteer for some activity - big or small, everything helps make out girls soccer team successful and feel supported. We are asking that all families volunteer in some capacity this season. Thank you!
We are excited about the season and want all families to know we are dedicated to supporting, valuing and recognizing the athletes on all three of the Mercer Island High School Girls Soccer teams.
Please take a moment and fill out the 2016 MI Girls Soccer Booster Club Membership Form. Thank you!
Sincerely,
The Mercer Island Girls Soccer Board(email list)
Dan Riley, Co-President
Margie Ogawa, Co-President
Glynda Steiner, Treasurer
Irit Snyder, Secretary & VP Social
Andrea Fitzwilson, VP Marketing/Media
Susie Stenberg, VP Fundraising
Carolyn Counihan, Member at Large