You couldn't blame the Lower Columbia College women's soccer team to be excited when they held a 3-2 lead over Highline with seven minutes to go.
 
Although many of the current Red Devils were probably unaware of the history, the history has not been nice.  Since LCC re-established women's soccer in 2011, Highline amassed a 18-0 record with 15 shutouts.  The T-Birds had outscored Lower Columbia 100-3 in that nine year time span.
 
So the excitement turned to disappointment when Highline scored two goals in the final seven minutes to pull out a 4-3 victory in the season opener at Northlake Field on Tuesday April 6.
 
It was the debut of new Red Devil head coach Joe Chicks and he saw his team battle the talented Thunderbirds right down to the wire.  "There was no lack of effort today and I'm very proud of the team", said Chicks.
 
Jerika Isaacson led the LCC attack with two goals.  Anastasia Ulrigg also scored a goal.
 
Highline jumped out on top with quick goal at the 90 second mark and the T-Birds put another in the net to take a 2-0 lead at 25'.  Visions of the same-same old started to creep in before LCC settled down and started to compete.  Issacson's first goal at 42' came on a Megan Geiger assist and the score was 2-1 HCC at halftime.
 
Ullrigg's goal at 65' was unassisted and we were tied 2-2.  Isaacson scored again with help from a Julia Cash assist and LCC had taken it's first lead and the upset alert was on.
 
A big play of the game came at the 85' mark when LCC goalkeeper Jade Cox came out and made some contact after a Highline shot skipped over the top of the goal.  The questionable penalty kick call gave a free shot to Abby Carmel and we were tied 3-3.
 
The Devils also had an opportunity to counter but contact with Isaacson near the goal was not called at the other end.  Highline's Carmel got  the game winner with just one minute left.
 
The Devils were disappointed to lose, but they were grateful to play.  Play well they did.
 
The Devils will look to compete with another NWAC powerhouse Tacoma this Friday afternoon at the Washington Premier Field in Puyallup. The game starts at 12 pm.