With one game left in the season, the girls soccer team is in a bind. Garfield and Inglemoor are both competing for the last playoff spot behind Eastlake and Redmond, and while Garfield leads the group currently they need a clutch victory over the reigning state champs to clinch a spot. Otherwise their hopes for a playoff berth depends on the outcome of the Inglemoor– Woodinville game on Thursday.

“It’s really stressful waiting on the other teams’ results to see where we stand,” said junior midfielder Hillary Heath. “But I think everyone is handling it really well.”

A win over Inglemoor Tuesday night would have secured a playoff spot for the Bulldogs, but with the tie, the stakes have only risen for both teams in their last game.

“I was really impressed with all of our players,” said Heath. “Each person stepped up and gave their all even through both overtimes. That game really showed the heart of our team.”

The Vikings scored first, but were answered by a goal from Heath, assisted by Senior Sasha Richey. Every time they tied the score, the Vikings put in another, until the game ended with a 3 – 3 tie in overtime. Other Bulldog goals came from senior Kendall Becker, assisted by Heath, and junior Mia Pertik, assisted by Heath.

The tie against Inglemoor merely accented the deadlock between the Vikings and the Bulldogs. With only a one point advantage, a Thursday tie will not be enough to clinch the final spot: plain and simple, the Bulldogs need to win. If they don’t win, they will have to pray on Woodinville’s side.

The Eastlake game will not be any walk in the park, to say the least. Garfield has never beaten Eastlake. They lost 2 – 0 in the third game of the season.

“Its tough going in against the defending state champs knowing that we have to win,” said Heath, “But I think our whole team is willing to battle to get the ball so we should be okay.”

The last game will be a matter of determination and grit. “It’s going to come down to drive, who wants it more,” said coach Timmothy Self. “The thing that we want the most we are going to have to work for.”