Mercer Island Edges Issaquah 8-4 VIDEO Interviews & Highlights

MERCER ISLAND- In the match-up of the top four teams in state Mercer Island hosted Issaquah in part of the "I-90 Rivalry".  The Islanders ended the toughest part of their season and Issaquah unfortunately extended a four game losing streak, stemming from New Jersey.  There was a large crowd of fans that attended with an interesting, but somewhat disappointing game for both teams.  

Issaquah came up with the first settled possession.  Islander goalie Brian Bernstein made two point blank saves and then the crossbar gave the Islanders the ball.  An Issaquah offsides gave the Islanders an EMO and Alex Robbs finished.  Mercer Island's defense came out locking off Kevin Powers, but he still got shots off on the goal.  The Eagles took their time with possession as the Islander defense pressed, Ben Director scored unassisted to tie it up at one.  Jake Fritz got a nice crease feed and scored after the ball rolled past Bernstein.  Issaquah led 2-1 at the end of the first.  

To open up the second quarter, Mercer Island went on a three goal scoring spree. Bernal with the first on an alley dodge.  The next goal was a textbook fast break as Bernstein cleared across the midfield.  He found Matt Shields who passed to T. Claes Johnson and then Stickney for the finish.  Bernal scored again.  The Issaquah ride is generating possession time, frustrating the Islander clear.  Their offense played tough, but failed to generate good shots.  The defenses of both teams kept the scoring low as Mercer Island led 4-2 at halftime.  Biggest question at the half, if this is a Mercer Island game- Where are the streakers!?

Stickney opened up scoring behind the crease after catching the Issaquah defense sleeping.  The Islanders drew two penalties on an unsportsmanlike and slashing, giving the Eagles an EMO.  Bernstein stuffed Powers on the crease and after clearing, Powers drew an illegal body check.  Gameplay began to get more physical and chippy as Doug Mahony scored unassisted.  Bernstein played out of his mind, making numerous point blank saves.  More poor clearing Islander gave Issaquah possession time.  Bernstein many times was left alone with no outlet or jumped immediately after stepping out of the crease.  The transition game of the Islanders appeared as a thorn for them.  The score at the end of the third quarter was 6-2.  

Issaquah finally got back on the board with an unassisted goal from Michael Hatcher. Both teams continued to battle, but the face-off procedure calls slowed the tempo for both teams.  The frustrations were visible with Powers who was unable to get into a playing groove. He was held pointless on the night.  Mercer Island got two more goals with a bouncer from Alex Rorem and a crease dive from Bernal, capping a hat trick.  Director scored with seconds remaining, his second of the night.  However, it was too little too late as the Islanders won 8-4.  With the win the Islanders will move to first place in the state and remain undefeated.  Issaquah will need to find answers for shot selection and defensive communication.  

Player of the Game

Brian Bernstein- 12 saves

MI's Brent Tsang's Post Game Comments

Issaquah's O'Neill Hughes

Game Highlights