Titans advance to NWAC Quarterfinals with win over Skagit Valley

TACOMA, Wash. — Tacoma Community College and Highline College played to a 2-2 draw on Saturday, with all four goals scored in a competitive second half.

TCC and Highline entered halftime locked in a scoreless tie despite both sides generating multiple opportunities. Tacoma applied pressure with six shots on goal, including attempts by Bracken Overby and Takumi Sugihara, but each was saved by Highline's Kyle Goodrow. Highline countered with seven shots, but Andrew Wagenblatt's saves and Tacoma's defensive efforts kept the visitors at bay. Tacoma Community College earned three corner kicks, creating chances but unable to convert them into goals.

Tacoma responded to an initial goal by Highline with a determined offensive effort, resulting in Jason Adams equalizing in the 71st minute from a Porter Herbig assist. Shortly after, Sugihara put Tacoma ahead with a goal assisted by Brody Smith in the 74th minute. Highline leveled the score again in the 82nd minute through a goal by Preston Salisbury, assisted by Jake Mackenzie. The period concluded in a 2-2 draw, with Tacoma benefiting from multiple corner kicks and surviving a series of defensive saves in the closing minutes.

Adams found the back of the net, scoring one goal on three shots, with two on target. Herbig contributed to the team's offense with an assist, also registering one shot on goal. Sugihara added to the scoreline with a goal, successfully converting both of his shots on target. In goal, Wagenblatt recorded two saves, maintaining a clean sheet during his time on the field.

Mackenzie led the Highline team with a standout performance, recording both a goal and an assist. He took three shots, with two on target, contributing directly to the team's offensive efforts. Salisbury added to the scoreline with a goal from his only shot attempt, demonstrating efficiency in front of the net. Uriel Villegas also played a crucial role in facilitating play, providing one assist and managing a shot on goal. In the defensive end, Goodrow was tested in goal, making four saves across 80 minutes while facing six shots, helping to keep the match competitive.

Go Titans!