SOCCER: TJ can secure SPSL North title with win or tie; Decatur wins SPSL 3A

The Thomas Jefferson Raiders can secure the South Puget Sound League North Division soccer championship with a win or tie against the Kentlake Falcons Friday.

By Casey Olson • May 4, 2012 5:03 pm

The Thomas Jefferson Raiders can secure the South Puget Sound League North Division soccer championship with a win or tie against the Kentlake Falcons Friday.

The Raiders took the step toward the title Tuesday night with a 1-0 win over second-place Tahoma. The only score of the game came on an own-goal by the Bears.

The win moved TJ to 12-2-1 on the season and lead Tahoma by three points heading into the final game. The Raiders would also win the SPSL North with a Tahoma tie or loss Friday.

Decatur — Despite losing twice during the season to the Peninsula Seahawks, the Gators secured the SPSL 3A championship Friday night with a 5-1 win over Auburn Mountainview.

Peninsula finished the regular season with a 9-1-0 record in the SPSL 3A, compared to 8-2-0 by Decatur. But the SPSL’s points-based system awards three points for a win in regulation, two for an overtime or shootout win and one for an overtime or shootout loss. Because three of Peninsula’s wins have come in extra time, they finished with 24 points, compared to Decatur’s 25 points. The Gators will be the SPSL 3A’s top seed at the sub-district tournament.

The Gators will take on the Hazen Highlanders at 7:30 p.m. at Harry Lang Stadium in Lakewood on Wednesday at the sub-district tournament. Hazen won the Seamount League championship and the winner will be the SPSL/Seamount’s top seed into the West Central District Tournament. The loser will be the second seed.

Against Auburn Mountainview, Decatur senior Michael Klavuhn had another huge goal-scoring game. Klavuhn finished with four goals against the Lions to give him an amazing 23 on the season in just 14 games. The Gators’ other score came from Alex Donovan.

Federal Way — The Eagles (12-2-1) were denied the SPSL South title Tuesday night by the Puyallup Vikings. Puyallup (14-1-0) secured the crown by shutting out Federal Way, 1-0. The Eagles handed the Vikings their only defeat of the season earlier in the year, 4-0.

The only goal of the contest came in the 24th minute by Puyallup forward Andy Jepperson.

The Eagles end the regular season Friday night at home against Rogers at 5:30 p.m.