TACOMA, Wash. — Highline College (5-0-1, 3-0-1) secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Tacoma Community College (3-4-1, 1-2-0) on Saturday afternoon, with the decisive goal coming in the second half.

The first half began with Tacoma's Andrew Wagenblatt making crucial saves early on, including a stop against Preston Salisbury in the 12th minute, maintaining a level scoreline. Tacoma's Jason Adams generated offensive pressure with a corner kick in the 25th minute and later saw his shot saved by Highline's Kyle Goodrow. Despite Tacoma's offensive efforts, including a last-minute attempt by Alonzo Lopez, the half concluded scoreless with both teams unable to capitalize on their opportunities. Tacoma generated four shots on goal, with Adams and Taylor Pierce both having attempts thwarted by defensive saves from Highline. Wagenblatt made crucial saves against Highline's attempts, notably stopping shots from Salisbury and Adrian Gonzalez. Tacoma was issued two yellow cards, while Highline committed numerous fouls, disrupting their offensive momentum.

The second half began with Tacoma pressing forward, highlighted by Adams' shot at the 49th minute, which was saved by the Highline defense. Tacoma continued to create opportunities, with Nathan Coyle and Lopez each testing the Highline goalkeeper, Goodrow, with attempts at the 51st and 58th minutes respectively. However, Highline managed to capitalize late in the half, with Zachary Bartlett scoring in the 88th minute, assisted by Gonzalez, which became the decisive goal of the match. Tacoma faced a persistent Highline defense. Tacoma managed three shots on goal, with efforts from Adams, Coyle, and Lopez, but they were unable to break through. The half was marked by physical play, with Tacoma committing two fouls and receiving one yellow card, while Highline committed five fouls and received three yellow cards.

Wagenblatt recorded two saves during his 90 minutes in goal, conceding just one goal in the match. Adams registered three shots, with two of those being on target. Lopez also managed to get both of his two shots on goal. Javier Villegas added one shot, which was on target, contributing to Tacoma's overall offensive efforts.

Bartlett proved pivotal for the Thunderbirds, scoring the only goal of the match to secure the game-winning tally. Bartlett's offensive efforts were highlighted by four shots, one of which found the back of the net. Gonzalez contributed to the team's success with an assist, complementing his sole shot on goal. Goodrow was a defensive stalwart in goal, recording four saves and maintaining a clean sheet over 90 minutes of play.

The Titans fell to 3-4-1 overall and 1-2-0 in conference play after the loss. The Thunderbirds improved to 5-0-1 overall and 3-0-1 in conference play.

In their next game, Tacoma travels to Lakewood, WA, to take on Pierce. The match is set for September 10, with kickoff at 4 p.m.

Go Titans!