Todd Beamer girls soccer defeats Federal Way for first time since 2021

Todd Beamer High School’s girls soccer team finally put a tally in the win column as the Titans defeated Federal Way High School, 2-1, on Sept. 22 at Federal Way Memorial Field.

The Titans had been outscored 27-3 in their first four games this season, but all that is a mere memory as their first win carries a lot of weight for this year’s team.

“It’s amazing. It was a quiet first half. We talked at half about having energy and just having fun. They really did it. The first 20 minutes of the half, they were pressing all over the field. We scored a quick goal and felt like it was our game from there,” Head Coach Joel Lindberg said.

Federal Way hasn’t had too much trouble with the Titans in recent memory. Since 2021, the Eagles have won the last four meetings between these two sides and have outscored Todd Beamer 11-5 over those four games. Before Monday night, the last time Todd Beamer had beaten Federal Way was Oct. 26, 2021.

“It feels crazy. We knew we had that win in us, but we just couldn’t show it. We really had that energy and just had to prove to ourselves that we could do it,” junior Karen Estrada said.

Karen Estrada and Sehvyn Rolewicz high five after the win. Ben Ray / The Mirror

When that final whistle sounded, there was elation and relief from the Todd Beamer players.

“It really felt good. As a team we have been trying so hard every game. No matter the pressure on us, we still work hard every day to show out. This win meant a lot to us because we haven’t won a game. It’s really big for us because it’s our family,” Estrada said.

The Eagles were searching not only for their first win of the season along with Todd Beamer, but they also were looking for their first goal.

Federal Way did get that first goal in the 22nd minute, off the right foot of Cynia Dixon-Wilson. The Eagles enjoyed the lead heading into halftime, but the Todd Beamer side that came out was a different team that went into the locker room.

“We told each other ‘We need to pick it up, like we have this.’ We picked up our energy and had that confidence and wanted to have fun. We had a lot more fun in that second half,” Estrada said.

Coming out of halftime, Todd Beamer kept referring to an energy improvement after the game. Leading that charge was junior Karen Estrada. The striker eventually cracked the code to the Federal Way defense and tied the game in the 47th minute.

“She’s sneaky fast and has such great touch on the ball. On her shots, she just makes it look easy. The spark she provides just by running lifts the whole team up,” Lindberg said.

Less than 10 minutes later, Estrada took the lead for the Titans. The chance of a win was finally setting in the minds of the Titan players.

“I just felt like the spotlight was on me,” Estrada said with a laugh. “But shoutout to all my teammates for helping me get up there. Without them passing, I wouldn’t have scored.”

She was constantly linking up with senior Sehvyn Rolewicz in the midfield areas.

“Sehvyn is a really amazing player. She has the tech, the speed and never gives up. She is one of the most amazing players I’ve ever seen,” Estrada said.

Rolewicz fills a much needed role for Todd Beamer and logs a ton of miles for Lindberg.

“That connection is wonderful. They work so well together trying to bring other players into the fold. Sehveyn is doing a great job leading and wearing that captain’s arm band,” Lindberg said.

Sehvyn Rolewicz takes a shot for Todd Beamer against Federal Way. Ben Ray / The Mirror

Another bright spot for the Titans was freshman Katerina Lomats, who played all 80 minutes for the Titans.

“She provides some extra great feet in the middle and can also run very fast, which helps us on the wing. It gives us more combination options going forward, which we haven’t had the last couple years. Kat is huge for this team,” Lindberg said.

Todd Beamer has won just three games since 2021, and with their first win coming over Federal Way since that year as well, vibes are increasing for the Titans.

“I just want them to continue that energy they had today,” Lindberg said.

The Titans head on the road to Kentlake on Sept. 24 before taking on Decatur at Todd Beamer on Sept. 26.