Coming off a disappointing “paperwork-induced” forfeit to start to the 2013 season, Hazen Soccer rebounded with a big win at home Thursday against 4A Kingco opponent Garfield, besting the Bulldogs 2-1.

“There are probably three clichés that I can think of off the top of my head about overcoming adversity,” said Hazen Coach Ken Matthews in a press release. “The girls didn’t need anything; they just showed their determination and desire to win.”

Junior Attacker Brook Swenson teamed up with Senior Outside Mid Korbyn Walls ten minutes into the second half for a 1-0 lead. Twenty minutes later Senior Outside Mid Melissa Carney took a through pass from Sophomore Central Mid Madison Kraemer to double the lead.

Garfield scored a late goal, but it wasn’t enough and the Highlanders claimed the victory.

The win came in the fourth game of a Hazen-Garfield series that has had nothing but draws. Both teams have come from behind to tie the match late in the game.

In 2010 Hazen scored with less than five minutes to to go to tie up the match. In 2011, it was Hazen with a goal in the 79th minute tied it up.  Last year, Hazen got out to 1-0 and 2-1 leads before Garfield rallied, drawing at 2-2.

“Bre (Hazen Assistant Coach Breann Vanden Bos) and I have talked about the Warrior player who takes it to the next level. In the past, we’ve had several players who I would describe as warriors. Imagine what I felt when the Garfield’s coach told me we were a band of warriors that fought for 80 minutes,” said Matthews. “He also said he we put un-relenting pressure on them.”

“Relentless” is the word being printed on Hazen team tee shirts this year.  Matthews was encouraged by tonight’s effort, “This is the type of team we’ve envisioned at Hazen. I was so impressed with the effort from both the Varsity and JV girls tonight.”

Hazen travels to Tumwater Stadium on Saturday for a 2 p.m. match up against Black Hills High School.