Issaquah, Emerald City exchange late goals in draw, Spokane Shine take NW Division

Taylor Culver’s 81st-minute shot gives Emerald City a 1:0 lead over Issaquah on Sunday night. Alyssa Beauchamp tries for the save. (Dale Garvey)

The new Seattle women’s soccer WPSL derby between Issaquah SC and Emerald City FC produced two 1:1 draws this week. The second, on Sunday night at Issaquah High School, resulted in keeping Issaquah from reaching the division summit. The Spokane Shine are the 2012 WPSL NW champions with 20 standings points to Issaquah’s 19. Emerald City finished with 15 points. The Shine are headed to the playoffs. Details will be announced this week about Spokane’s trip to Southern California.

Dale Garvey match photos here: http://bethroberts.zenfolio.com/p729245838

The scoring action at Issaquah High happened very late on. Emerald City took the lead in the 81st minute from Taylor Culver (College of Idaho) and then Issaquah replied with a goal of their own in the 90th from Abby Brauer (Northwest University, Kirkland, WA). The frantic final moments included an Issaquah corner kick that couldn’t be converted.

Emerald City celebrates Culver’s goal. (Dale Garvey)

The Spokane Shine (6-2-2), founded in 2011, are division winners for the first time. The club won both of its matches over the weekend to put the pressure on Issaquah (5-1-4). During the regular season Spokane beat Issaquah away and then drew with ISC back in Spokane.

Emerald City FC (3-1-6) finishes their season with only one loss, but also with just three wins. The other six contests for ECFC were all draws.

Inland NW Soccer News will be following the Shine as they prepare for the playoffs, as will goalWA.net.

Abby Brauer gives ISC hope with this 90th minute strike. (Dale Garvey)

The ECFC defense is dejected after giving up the lead late in the 1:1 standoff. (Dale Garvey)

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