Hazen Soccer opened league play Friday night with 2-0 victory over Evergreen at Renton Memorial Stadium.

Senior captain and forward Sam Bunnell picked up both goals for the Highlanders.  Assisting Bunnell were Senior Defender Angad Singh and Junior Mid Ryan Wong. Sophomore Keeper Jaime “Chino” Martinez got his first high school shutout.

Coach Ken Matthews said his team was a little off their game, but cut them some slack given their busy week.

“These guys played their guts out last night against Newport (1-1 draw). That game goes down as an instant classic – if you missed it sorry. The most important thing is what we did tonight – find a way to win when we step on the field,” he said in a press release.

Bunnell, who will be playing next year at Southern Virginia University, got his first goal at the midpoint of the first half. The Highlanders had been pressing up to that point, but passes weren’t finding feet. Singh drove a through ball to Bunnell who one touched it past Wolverines keeper. Four minutes later Wong and Bunnell teamed up on the second goal.

All 18 roster players contributed to the victory. Matthews cited one play that showed what tonight’s win was about.

“There was probably 10 minutes left in the game. We obviously want the win and the shutout. Evergreen puts a dangerous ball into play. One of our mids does the smart thing to clear it, but it’s going out for a corner. Chino (keeper Martinez) sprints fifteen yards and stabs the ball so it goes out for a throw in,” he said.

Man of the Match was Senior Mid Devin Sando.

“There have been a couple of players who have improved their game so much year to year it can’t be tracked.  Devin is one of them,” Matthews said.

The Just Play Fair Award went to Sam Bunnell.

Hazen plays Renton Tuesday at Renton Stadium and Highline Friday at Highline Stadium, both Seamount League matchups.