The Hazen boys soccer team picked up where they left off in the second half of Monday’s game to keep their momentum going against a good Newport Knights team on Thursday.

The Highlanders scored first, but Newport rallied in the second half to knot the game at a 1-1 tie.

Newport was second in Kingco 4A last year and missed a chance at going to state after a shootout loss to Inglemoor.

“We only get two non-league games. With going to state last year we had several requests to fill them. I felt like Interlake and Newport were both good teams and we’d have our hands full. But it would also get us ready for league play,” said Coach Ken Matthews in an email.

Hazen’s central midfield was already shorthanded due to illness. Things got worse at 15 minutes with a yellow card. In stepped Junior Mid Isaiah Blount.

“Isaiah had his best game by far since he’s been at Hazen. His play helped us maintain our level of play throughout the game,” said Matthews.

Right before the half a Newport foul gave Hazen a free kick at the 20.  Senior Forward Sam Bunnell took the free kick.

“I had the perfect angle; it was going in,” Matthews said. Even when a Newport player deflected the ball, it found the net and Hazen led at the half 1-0.

Newport scored 11 minutes into the second half. Hazen had more opportunities in the final 10 minutes but another goal wasn’t meant to be.

Junior Defender Kyle Bunnell was Man of the Match.

The Highlanders are 0-1-1 to start the season. They open Seamount League play with a match against Evergreen at 5:30 p.m. tonight, Friday, at Renton Memorial Stadium.