Bellingham's Connor Steward battles with Lynden's Jackson Phillips during a district playoff match at Joe Martin Field. Photo: Doug Lange
Prep Soccer: Steward Leads Bellingham past Lynden
May 7, 2019
Bellingham's Connor Steward continued his torrid scoring pace in the postseason to help the Red Raiders get a win closer to qualifying for state. Steward scored all three goals in a 3-1 consolation bracket quarterfinal victory over Lynden Tuesday at Civic Stadium.
The senior found the back of the net twice in the first half, scoring in the 4th minute and the 23rd minute. He sealed the Lions fate early in the 2nd half with a long strike from the right wing in the 48th minute.
"Being the first player, finding my teammates and getting my shot off quick was where I was successful and found the back of the net," said Steward.
Steward has scored 5 goals and set-up a 6th on a corner kick in 2 matches during the district playoffs. Bellingham coach Matt Zigulis moved the midfielder up top to provide more offense and it has paid big dividends.
MORE: Listen to our interviews with Connor Steward & Matt Zigulis
"He just so dynamic up top and with his teammates and everybody in the midfield stepping up their game it's allowing him to be a little bit more free and just unleash him on the other team," said Zigulis.
Sebastian Vazquez scored the lone goal for the Lions in the 41st minute to open the second half. Lynden ends the year with a 11-5-2 record.
With the win, Bellingham (11-6-1) moves on to a winner to state/loser out match Thursday versus Burlington at Sedro-Woolley High School at 7pm. The Tigers fell into the consolation bracket after falling to Sehome 4-1 in the semifinals Tuesday night. The Mariners clinched a state berth and will play Liberty on Saturday at 6:00pm at Edmonds Stadium for the district championship.
5/7/19 District Scoreboard
2A
Sehome 4 Burlington 1 (winner to state)
3A
Squalicum 4 Arlington (loser out)
1A
Busch 5 Lynden Christian 0
Seattle Academy 2 Mount Baker 0
Upcoming District Playoff Games:
5/9
3A Squalicum vs. Edmonds-Woodway 7pm at Shorline Stadium (winner to state/loser out)
2A Bellingham vs. Burlington 7pm at Sedro-Woolley High School (winner to state/loser out)
5/11
2A Sehome vs. Liberty 6pm at Edmonds Stadium (District championship game)
- Doug Lange
Bellingham soccer coach Matt Zigulis talks to his squad following a 3-1 district playoff victory over Lynden. PHOTO: Doug Lange
Squalicum midfielder Mason Lloyd gets past Arlington's Krystopher Ceja in the first half of a 4-0 victory for the Storm. Lloyd scored 2 goals in the win. PHOTO: Doug Lange
Mount Baker defender Clover Martin clears the ball versus Grant Arntz of Seattle Academy. The Mountaineers season ended with a 2-0 district playoff loss.
PHOTO: Doug Lange
