MARYSVILLE — Defense is often overlooked in soccer.

That can especially be the case in a match like the Tommies’ 2-0 defeat of the Knights, April 4, when the offense was so entertaining.

Marysville-Pilchuck had a seemingly endless amount of opportunities to increase its lead against Kamiak, outshooting the Knights 14-2.

“We had a lot of pressure on goal and after the Jackson match, it was good to get everybody out and build some confidence,” said M-P manager Geoff Kittle.

While eyes were mostly fixated on M-P’s frontline, the backline was making sure that Kamiak didn’t get a shot off, a feat it nearly accomplished.

“In the first half we just concentrated on communication and making sure we were all in the right position,” said M-P defender Gustavo Jarmillo.

That mission changed, however, when goalie Kyle Bluhm had to exit after a collision and junior Anurag Cheema entered the match.

“We went into pressuring them more once Kyle came out because we wanted to give as much support to Anurag as we could,” said Jaramillo.

Cheema combined with Bluhm to nab M-P’s second shutout of the season.

On the offensive end, the Tommies earned a 1-0 lead in the 34th minute when an M-P cross was deflected by two Kamiak defenders into the top of the penalty box. Sophomore midfielder Juan Menoza blasted a volley that sliced away from the diving Knights keeper.

Kamiak responded by taking more possession than M-P for the remainder of the first half, but that didn’t last. The Tommies owned the ball in the final 40 minutes, and had a wide variety of opportunities around the net.

Even a defender like Jarmillo got a few open headers off corner kicks that he couldn’t convert.

“It’s frustrating for me,” he said with a smile. “That first header I should have really scored on, but at the same time, it’s also kind of fun because everybody is getting chances.”

A reason for such a high number of scoring chances was the two-man game of forwards Anthony Johnson and Jesus Valenzuela. The two juniors were able to play off each other in the second half and throw the Kamiak defense off.

“They were really combining better tonight,” said Kittle. “Kamiak was matching them up so we were able to back the ball out and change the angle of attack.”

That play resulted in M-P’s second goal. Valenuela found Anthony for a through ball that he was able to chip over the keeper’s reach from about 20 yards out.

The Tommies improve to 7-1 overall and 6-1 in Wesco North play.