Class 2A: Pulido's goal gives Wahluke state title

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CAMAS — Sigi Pulido is proof that history repeats itself.

Four years ago, Pulido's older brother, Erik, knocked in the game-winning goal as a freshman when the Wahluke boys soccer team brought home the school's first state championship in the Class 2A final.

Yesterday, Sigi Pulido, a freshman defender, collected, wheeled and booted in a rebound goal as Wahluke of Mattawa shocked Ridgefield 1-0 in the Class 2A title game at Doc Harris Stadium.

Warriors junior goalkeeper Fernando Munoz stoned the Spudders with 13 big saves.

"I'd say Erik passed the baton to his little brother," said ninth-year Wahluke coach Tony Langdon. "He kind of plays libero for us. He's our freed-up stopper, sweeper."

Pulido, who normally kicks left-footed, banged in a 10-yard, right-footed rebound goal to give Wahluke (17-4-2) a 1-0 lead in the 49th minute. Pulido buried his chance — his ninth goal of the season — at the right post after Uriel Contreras bounced a shot off Ridgefield goalkeeper Patrick Byrne and off a couple defenders.

The Spudders (17-2-2) settled for second place in their first title match in boys soccer.

"I was ready for this final," Munoz said of the high-powered Ridgefield offense, which had outscored opponents 91-6 this season. "My coach trained me hard for this. I was a little nervous. I was ready for their shots. I knew they shot a lot."

Wahluke delivered on its promise to bring home a state-championship trophy for a former JV player, Gilberto Lopez, who was diagnosed with leukemia this spring.

"We overcame so many obstacles this season," Langdon said.

Sultan 2, East Valley (Yakima) 1, 2 OT (3rd-4th places) — Junior forward Brayton Knapp sliced in a penalty kick with 3:10 left in the second five-minute overtime period as the Turks (20-2) prevailed. Sultan was state runner-up last year. The Red Devils (20-3) settled for fourth.

The game-winner in the 87th minute was Knapp's 25th goal of the season and 73rd of his three-year varsity career. The PK tally from 12 yards out was set up when East Valley's Andre Espinoza was called for a hand ball in the penalty area as Sultan was threatening on offense.