MONROE — So much for wondering where the Tommies’ offense was going to come from.

Through two matches so far, Marysville-Pilchuck’s soccer team has scored seven goals and all that the Tomahawks have needed to find the back of the net was inspiration.

Inspiration can come in a number of different ways, but so far for M-P it has been from trailing early, as the Tommies seem to respond with their backs against the wall, which was the case in a 4-1 victory over Monroe March 17.

“I don’t think anybody’s going to want to score on us first,” said M-P junior Anthony Johnson.

Monroe scored in the 17th minute on a counterattack that clearly caught the Tomahawks off guard. But from that point on, the Tommies went on the offensive, scoring often.

The equalizer came in the 30th minute, when Johnson’s cross was deflected by a teammate to Kevin Spiva, who was running down the middle of the pitch to score from about 10 yards away.

Johnson then assisted defender Gustavo Jaramillo with another low cross in the 38th minute, giving the Tommies a 2-1 lead before halftime.

“I think it took a little while for us to get into rhythm,” said Johnson. “But when we do, it’s hard to stop our front line with me and Jesus (Valenzuela).”

M-P showed a higher level of play in the second half, maintaining possession for most of the 40 minutes and getting a number of shots. The Tommies didn’t break through for their first insurance goal until the 73rd minute when Jason Carlson’s shot was saved by Monroe keeper Jose Perez Jr., but rebounded by freshman midfielder Favian Panduro.

Johnson then added an exclamation point in the 80th minute, taking advantage of a Monroe defender’s miscue for a 1-on-1 opportunity and putting it by the keeper.

M-P is 2-0 on the season before facing 2010 Wesco North champion Lake Stevens, in a rivalry that has been back-and-forth the past two years.