Special Olympics USA Games Soccer Recap: The Washington Spirit vs. South Carolina

​Northwest Center is pleased to welcome Michael Padilla as an intern writer and photographer. Michael has ataxic cerebral palsy, which is a muscle disability. He’s currently a sophomore at Bellevue College and upon graduation, he wants to become a sports reporter.
 
By Michael Padilla
​
The Washington Spirit, coached by Northwest Center’s own VP of business development Mike Quinn, battled South Carolina in an early round soccer match at the Special Olympics USA Games at Seattle University. The Washington Spirit controlled the pace of the game from start to finish and won by a final score of 7 to 1.  

The Washington Spirit scored five goals in the first half alone. Scoring was led by Rama Tall, who netted three goals. Tall says his hat trick was a team effort: “Pass to your teammates and get spread out to score goals.” And the goals kept coming against South Carolina as Team Washington’s Gunnar Magley registered his first goal in Special Olympics competition right before the first half ended. “It felt great, really exciting,” Magley enthused about his first goal.
 
In the second half, South Carolina did score its lone goal of the game, as Katie Beck ripped a shot from the edge of the box into the back of the net. Washington kept the pressure on, scoring two more goals in the second half.
 
Head coach Mike Quinn was pleased with his team’s dominance on the field.  “We kept containing them and working on our passing once we scored a few goals,” he said.
 
Editor’s note: The Washington Spirit went on to win the bronze medal at the Special Olympics USA Games by defeating Maine 3 to 2. Washington Thunder took home the gold, defeating Maine 3 to 1. ​

The Washington Spirit, coached by Northwest Center’s own VP of business development Mike Quinn