SEQUIM — Port Angeles forward Lukas Mobius scored two goals in the first 18 minutes and the Roughriders held on to defeat rival Sequim 2-1 in an Olympic League 2A Division boys soccer match.
The scoring strikes continued Mobius’ hot start to the season for Port Angeles (2-0-0, 4-0-1).
He has scored three goals in the last two games and the German exchange student has now found the net six times on the season.
“The first goal was more of an individual accomplishment,” Mobius said.
Mobius gained possession of the ball on the left side of the field and dribbled toward the goal, beating the Wolves goalkeeper Austin Wagner to the left post.
“Lukas, when he turns on that extra gear, with his individual speed and dribbling, he can beat people one on one,” Riders coach Chris Saari said.
Port Angeles added to its lead in the 18th minute.
“The second goal was a very nice combination between Grayson [Peet], Tim [Meyer] and me,” Mobius said.
Peet played the ball up the left side to Meyer who made his own run toward goal, drawing Sequim defenders to him, before leaving the ball off to Mobius who beat Wagner to the right post with his shot.
The two quick scores continued a trend that Wolves coach Dave Brasher would like to see cease.
“We’ve given up two goals in three out of our four games, and one goal in the other game, and all of the goals have come in the first 20 minutes,” Brasher said.
“We have to stop talking about starting strong and actually do it . . . or tell them it’s the second half at the start of every game.”
Mobius showed off his passing skills later in the first half, sending a ball through to an on-rushing Meyer all alone with only Wagner to beat. .
Meyer played his first touch of the ball in front of him a tad too far, and Wagner came out and grabbed the ball away before Meyer could take a shot on goal.
Later, Mobius sent a left-to-right cross trickling along the ground in front of the goal but no teammates were in the area to send it home.
In the 55th minute, the Riders had a chance to effectively end the game when Mobius was fouled inside the goal box and earned a penalty kick.
Ben Schneider stepped to the spot for Port Angeles and his penalty kick was blocked by Wagner.
Schneider followed up on the rebound, but Wagner was there for the save.
“The penalty kick, I wanted to shoot it but Ben asked to take it,” Mobius said.
“It could have decided the game, so maybe next time if I am fouled I will take the kick.”
Brasher liked the performance of his senior goalkeeper.
“Austin played great,” Brasher said.
“He also made a save in the first half on a breakaway when it was 2-0, and if you can keep it 2-0 you are still in the game.”
Sequim recorded its first shot on goal of the game two minutes later when Liam Harris hit the post with a shot from outside.
Konnor Parish followed the play, snagging the rebound and beating Riders goalie Keenan Leslie to trim the Port Angeles lead to 2-1.
“As soon as we scored it was anybody’s game,” Brasher said.
But the Riders’ defense regrouped and kept the Wolves at bay — literally.
Sequim couldn’t find any room close to the goal and were forced to settle for long, probing shots on the Port Angeles goal.
Hayden James had the best chance for the Wolves bounce off the football goal post, about 3 feet above the soccer goal, in the 65th minute.
“The defense was solid,” Mobius said.
“[Sequim] didn’t have many chances to score. Their only shots were on the goal and a later shot.
“And of course, Keenan is a very talented goalkeeper.”
Saari named Mobius and Meyer his offensive players of the match, Peet and Scott Methner were praised for their play in transition and Preston Tucker and Hollund Bailey were lauded for their efforts in defense.
Port Angeles (2-0-0, 4-0-1) visits Bremerton on Tuesday.
Sequim (0-2-0, 1-3-0) travels to North Mason (0-1-0, 1-2-0) on Tuesday.
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Sports reporter Michael Carman can be contacted at 360-452-2345, ext. 57050 or at mcarman@peninsuladailynews.com.